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A MOYLAN DRAGOON 



Stephen Moylan 

Muster-Master General 

Secretary and Aide-de-Camp to Washington 

Quartermaster-General 

Colonel of Fourth Pennsylvania Light Dragoons and 

Brigadier-General of the War for American Independence 

The First and the Last President of the 
Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Philadelphia 



By 
MARTIN I. J. GRIFFIN 



PHILADELPHIA 

1909 






LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two CoDies Received 

MAK 23 1^09 

Copyri«nt Entry 

jCLASS Ow J^Xe, No, 

COPY T. 



COPYRIGHT, JANUARY 16, 1909 

BY 

MARTIN I. J. GRIFFIN 



STEPHEN MOYLAN, MUSTER-MASTER GENERAL, SEC- 
RETARY AND AIDE-DE-CAMP TO WASHINGTON, 
QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL, COLONEL OF 4TH 
PENNSYLVANIA LIGHT DRAGOONS AND BRIGA- 
DIER-GENERAL OF THE WAR FOR. AMERICAN 
INDEPENDENCE— THE FIRST AND THE LAST 
PRESIDENT OF THE FRIENDLY SONS OF ST. 
PATRICK OF PHILADELPHIA. 



" Shall we never leave oft" debating and boldly declare Inde- 
pendence?" [Moylan to Reed, Jan. 30, 1776.] 

" iVmerica will — it must — be free." [Moylan to Robert Morris 
after Battle of Princeton.] 

" I entered the service in the first year of the war, with a firm 
determination of prosecuting it to the end. I made up my mind, 
and my affairs for that purpose. I have shared its fatigues, its 
dangers and its pleasures with Your Excellency ever since — a man 
who has sacrificed everything for the service of his country." 
[Moylan to Washington, December 15, 1782.] 




THE MOYLAN FAMILY. 

General Stephen Moylan, of the American Revolutionary 
Army, was born in 1737 at Cork, Ireland. 

According to Campbell's History of the Hibernian Society and 
the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Stephen Moylan was the son of 
John Moylan and the Countess of Limerick. 

The Letters of Abbe Edgeworth and Memoir of his Life, by 
Father England, pastor of Passage near Cork, brother of Bishop 
England of Charleston, South Carolina, says John Moylan was 
" extensively engaged in mercantile pursuits." 

He died in 1799, probably in Dublin. An abstract of his will, 
on record at the Four Courts, Dublin, relates : 

John Moylan, of the city of Cork, merchant, being now on the 
eve of my departure for England, do make this my last will and 
testament. 



2 The Moylan Family. 

To wife, Mary Moylan, the entire of my property in money^ 
goods, debts or lands, in confidence that she will dispose of it 
amongst my children. 

To David Andre, Esq., of London (as a small compensation 
for the heavy loss he formerly sustained by me and my brother), 
the sum of i500. 

" I lament that I have it not in my power to leave my children 
in better circumstances, but my own misfortunes were great and 
heavy for a number of years, and it was only within these last three 
years that it pleased God to give me some little success." 
Sole executrix. Said Wife. 

Dated 28 June, 1797. 

John Moylan. 

Declaration of Stephen Roche, Jun., of North Great George's 
Street in the city of Dublin, Esq. Sworn 12 Nov., 1799. 

Proved 13 Nov., 1799, by Mary 
Moylan, widow of testator and 
sole executrix named in will. 

Campbell states that the children of John Moylan and the 
Countess were Stephen, Francis and two daughters who became 
Ursuline Nuns. By his second wife, Mary, he had issue Jasper 
and John. 

On a recent visit to Cork the compiler discovered the grand- 
daughter of another son, Richard. There was also a son named 
James, as General Moylan in writing to General Washington spoke 
of a James Moylan as " a brother." He was a resident of Phila- 
delphia in 1 77 1 -2 and during the Revolution was Agent of the 
United States in France in partnership with Gourlade in furnish- 
ing supplies to American cruisers. This is sustained by the Letters 
of Abbe Edgeworth saying that two sons of John Moylan " at an 
early age emigrated to America and served with success the Ameri- 
can colonies as general officers in the eventful contest which ter- 
minated in the freedom of the United States." 

At the time of the birth of Stephen, as well as that of his 
brothers and sisters, the Catholic religion in Ireland was under 
penal-law restrictions and penalties. Yet the Moylan family were 
so strong-hearted in the principles of faith and piety that Francis 



The Moylan Family. 3 

became a priest and subsequently Bishop of Cork, and the two 
daughters became Ursuline Nuns. 

Mary Moylan — Sister Mary Aloysius — was born July 29, 1753, 
and entered the novitiate of the Ursulines of Cork on December 25, 
1771 ; was professed April 26, 1774. During her life, a long one, 
she filled with great credit the principal posts in the Convent and 
was much loved and respected by the community and pupils. She 
lived to the advanced age of ninety, dying April 26, 1842. 

Her sister, Miss B. Moylan, joined the Ursulines July 2, 1780; 
was professed January 13, 1783, and after several years of ill health 
died in October, 1842. Her name in religion was Sister Mary John 
Evangelist. [Records of the Convent at Blackrock, Ireland.] 

There was also a daughter Anne, the residuary legatee of her 
brother the Bishop. This would make eight children of John 
Moylan. 

"The Moylans were merchants, established in business prob- 
ably as early as 1720. Dennis Moylan, the uncle of Stephen, who 
died in 1772, held the government contract for the commissariat 
of the Isle of Bourbon." [Campbell.] 

His name was probably David. 

Another uncle, Rev. Patrick Doran, a Jesuit, died in Cork in 
1771-2 and was buried in the family burial lot in Upper Shandon. 
[Foley's Records, S. J., VII, p. 81.] 

The penal laws against Catholics debarred their education in 
Ireland : 

" If any Papist shall publicly teach school or instruct youth in 
learning in any private house, or shall be entertained to instruct 
youth, as usher or assistant to any Protestant schoolmaster, he shall 
be esteemed a Popish regular clergyman and prosecuted as such, 
and shall incur such penalties and forfeitures as any Popish regular 
convict is liable unto." 

Even the sending of youth abroad to be educated was a penal 
offense. Yet Stephen and Francis " were smuggled out of the 
country to France for their education," says Campbell. It is prob- 
able that, as the Moylan brothers were engaged in commerce at 
Lisbon, that it was in that city of Portugal they were educated, and 
that there Stephen entered into business before coming to x\merica. 
But as Stephen at one time desired to represent the United States 
in Spain, it is possible, however, that he may have been educated 
in that countrv. 



4 The Moylan Family. 

At Lisbon, Portugal, in 1765 he was associated in business 
with David Moylan and Edward Forrest. The Registry of Vessels 
at the Port of Philadelphia for that year records the brigantine 
" John and David," of one hundred tons, built at Philadelphia, as 
being owned by John and David Moylan of Cork and Messrs. David 
and Stephen Moylan and Edward Forrest, British subjects residing 
at Lisbon. George Gould was Master. 

John, of Cork, was the father of Stephen, of Lisbon. David, 
of Cork, was the brother of John and uncle of Stephen. David, of 
Lisbon, was, doubtless, the son of David, of Cork. So that the 
fathers in Cork were in business with their sons in Lisbon. 

General Moylan's brother Francis, born September 17, 1735, 
was consecrated Bishop of Kerry in 1774, and died February 
10, 1815. In 1786 he was translated to Cork to succeed Bishop 
John Butler who, at the age of seventy years, had apostatized 
and married, to inherit the estate of the Earl of Dunboyne. 
On August 22, 1787, in the Protestant Church of Clonmel he 
" read his recantation of the errors of the Church of Rome." He 
died May 8, 1800, repentant, bequeathing property to the Catholic 
College at Maynooth. 

Bishop Moylan was educated at Paris and afterwards at the 
University of Toulouse, where he studied Theology\ He was 
buried in a vault in his cathedral. 

References — Short Life of Dr. Moylan in an appendix to 
Hutch's Life of Nano Nagle, Letters from the Abbe Edgeworth 
to his Friends with Memoirs of his Life, including some account 
of Dr. Moylan by the Rev. T. R. England, Fitzpatrick's Irish Wits 
and Worthies, Fitzpatrick's Secret Service under Pitt, Castlereagh 
Papers, Sarah Atkinson's Life of Mary Aikenhead, Husenbeth's 
Life of Dr. Milner, O'Renehan's Collections on Irish Church His- 
tory, Caulfield's Council Book of the Corporation of the City of 
Cork, History of Nat. Biog. 

His will sets forth: 

Francis Moylan, Roman Catholic Bishop of Cork. To the 
Rev. John Murphy, Rev. Jeremiah Collins and Rev. John England 
of this city, priests, all the government debentures deposited in the 
hands of Messrs John Roche & Co., Dublin, by Messrs Stephen & 
James Roche of this city. Bankers, for my account. I also bequeath 
to them Pierse & Christina's bond of £400 with interest ... in 



Stephen Moylan in America. 5 

trust. ... I appoint my sister Anne my residuary legatee. Ex- 
ecutors, said trustees. 

D. 13 April, 1814. 

F. Moylan. 
Description of Property. 

To be interred in the vault of this chapel. 

Codicil d. 13 April, 1814. 

2d codicil. . . . 

Will & two codicils proved 12 
Sept., 181 5, by Rev. John Eng- 
land, one of the executors. 

Stephen Moylan " received a good education, resided in Eng- 
land and then came to America, where he traveled extensively and 
finally settled in Philadelphia," says Appleton's Cyclopcedia of 
American BiograpJj,y. [IV, 1888.] 

STEPHEN MOYLAN IN AMERICA. 

He came to Philadelphia in 1768. Though then but a young 
man of about thirty he must have been in possession of means to 
warrant his being received into the social element of the chief city 
of the Province and to have had the education and polite accom- 
plishments justifying his entry and association with the leading 
men of the city and to have found his Faith no debarment of the 
recognition due a gentleman. 

He engaged in commerce. On November 11, 1768, the brig- 
antine " Richard Penn," of 30 tons, built at Philadelphia, James 
Galoway, Master, was registered as owned by Stephen Moylan of 
Philadelphia. 

The following April 7, 1769, the brigantine " Minerva," George 
Barwick, Master, 120 tons, is also registered. Stephen Moylan, 
owner. 

An advertisement dated March 23. 1769, by William Kelley, 
offers for sale or " lett," " two thousand acres in Morris County, 
New Jersey, as healthy a country as any in the world," fifteen miles 
from Newark, " a sea port town," and twenty-three miles from 
New York. Among those of whom inquiries might be made was 
Stephen Moylan. Esq., of Philadelphia. [Pa. Gas., May i8th: 
Supplement No. 2108.] 



6 Moylan's Ships. 

The affix " Esq." had, in those days, more significance than in 
our times, when indeed it may be said it has none, so commonly 
is it applied. But in Colonial days it was a title of import, indicating 
a social condition and position distinguishing the one to whom it 
was applied as one of character and standing in the community. 

On October 2y, 1769, was registered the snow " Ceres" of 
100 tons, built at Philadelphia and owned by Edward Forrest, 
Andrew Morrogh, Patrick James Morrogh, Dennis Conwell, 
Andrew Morrony, British subjects residing at Lisbon, and Stephen 
Moylan and Nicholas Bodkin both of Philadelphia. Bodkin was 
the Master of the vessel. 

On August 27, 1770, the sloop " Santa Maria," built at Kings- 
ton, Province of Massachusetts Bay, 70. tons, Thomas Bell, Master, 
is registered as being owned by John Kennedy, a British merchant 
residing in the Island of Porto Rico and by Messrs. Willing and 
Morris, Stephen Moylan and William Marshall, all of Philadelphia, 

On October 4, 1770, the ship " Don Carlos," a British-built 
vessel rebuilt at Cork, of 100 tons, Terrence Connor, Master, is 
registered as owned by Edward Forrest, a British subject residing 
at Lisbon, John and David Moylan of Cork and Stephen Moylan of 
Philadelphia. 

But Captain Terrence Connor must not long have commanded 
the ship, for the following April (1771) he is registered as owner 
and Master of the schooner " Don Carlos," of thirty-five tons, built 
in the Province of Massachusetts Bay. 

In 1770 Mr. Moylan became a member of the Gloucester Fox 
Hunting Club. This is another indication of his social status among 
the well-born and well-to-do people of the Province. We find this 
much more clearly shown by an entry in the diary of John Adams 
while attending the first Continental Congress when, on September 
24, 1774, he records having " dined with Richard Penn ; a mag- 
nificent house and most splendid feast and a very large company; 
Mr. Dickinson and General Lee were there and Mr. Moylan, be- 
sides a great number of the Delegates." 

The distinction of " Mr. Moylan" must have been high amid 
the " very large company" to have warranted such a noting, espe- 
cially when associated in mind with two such celebrities of that day 
as John Dickinson, author of " The Farmer's Letters," and General 
Charles Lee who, next year, was appointed second to Washington 
in command of the American Army raised to resist Great Britain. 



The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. 



THE FRIENDLY SONS OF ST. PATRICK. 



On St. Patrick's Day, 1771, was formed the Friendly Sons of 
St. Patrick. At its organization it had twenty-four regular mem- 
bers and six honorary members. It was composed mainly of " pros- 
perous merchants," many of them engaged in the shipping and 
importing business and dealing in European and East India goods." 
[Campbell.] 

Stephen Moylan was elected the first President of The Friendly 
Sons of St. Patrick, though but two of his fellow-members, Thomas 
FitzSimons and George Meade were Catholics. This shows how 
free of religious prejudice were the founders of this most patriotic 
and worthy society. That spirit of liberality and justice ever per- 
vaded The Sons of St. Patrick during its existence and is per- 
petuated in its successor, if not heir, the present Friendly Sons 
of St. Patrick for the Relief of Immigrants from Ireland. 

Stephen Moylan served as President until June 17, 1773, when 
John M. Nesbitt succeeded, as Mr. Moylan was reported as " beyond 
sea," as were also Thomas FitzSimons and Ulysses Lynch. 

At the St. Patrick's Day dinner of 1775 FitzSimons was 
present but Moylan was fined ys 6d for absence. This indicates 
he was in the city. Moylan appears not to have been present after- 
wards until the December meeting in 1781, but to have been " at 
camp" from 1775. He was present on St. Patrick's Day. 1782, but 
at June, 1782. and March, 1783, was at " camp." At September, 
1783, he was "beyond sea." but present on St. Patrick's Day, 1784, 
when also Commodore John Barry, so long absent, also attended. 
On St. Patrick's Day, 1786, he is recorded present as "General 
Moylan." Ten years later he was elected President and Thomas 
FitzSimons Vice-President. No further records have been dis- 
covered. Associating, as we have seen, with the Delegates to the 
First Continental Congress and moving in the select social circles 
of the principal city of the Province, the foremost characters of the 
day called him "Friend," as did the author of the celebrated 
"Farmer's Letters," John Dickinson. 

The Second Congress of the Continent met at the State House, 
Philadelphia, on May 10, 1775. The following month, Delegate 
•George Washington, of Virginia, was elected Commander-in-Chief 
• of all the forces besieging the British at Boston. 



8 The Revolution. 

THE REVOLUTION. 

The Revolution was on. War existed. The Colonies had not 
only resisted and fought the armed forces of England but had 
concentrated their resistance and chosen a Chief to command the 
disjointed forces which had battled with the British army and 
were assembled around Boston. Moylan was aroused and would 
add his endeavors to those battling for Liberty. " He desired to 
place himself in the line of usefulness for his adopted country." 
So from his friend John Dickinson he obtained this letter of intro- 
duction to Washington, then at camp at Cambridge, Massachusetts : 

JOHN DICKINSON INTRODUCES MOYLAN TO WASHINGTON. 

Dear Sir: — Mr. Moylan, a friend of mine, informs me that he 
intends to enter into the American Army. As he resided some 
years in this City and was much esteemed here, I sincerely hope he 
will be so happy as to recommend himself to your favour, which 
I am convinc'd he will endeavour to deserve. 

I heartily wish you every kind of Happiness and am, Sir. Your 
Most Obedient Servant, John Dickinson. 

Philadelphia, 

July 25, 1775. 
General Washington. 

Endorsed by Washington : " From Jno Dickinson, Esq., 25th 
July, 1775." 

[Potter's Monthly, Vol. VI, p. 14, 1876.] 

To the letter Washington replied : 

Camp at Cambridge, Aug. 30, '75. 

Dear Sir: — Your favour of 25 ult. recommendatory of Mr. 
Moylan came duly to hand and I have the pleasure to inform you 
that he is now appointed Commissary-General of Musters — one of 
the offices which the Congress was pleased to leave at my disposal. 
I have no doubt, from your account of this Gentleman, of his 
discharging the duty with honour and fidelity. 

For the occurrences of the Camp, I refer to my publick letters,, 
address'd to Mr. Hancock, and am, with sincere regard. 

Dr. Sir. Yr. Most Obedt Hble Servt, 
To John Dickinson, Esq., Go. Washington. 

Philadelphia. 

[Dawson's His. Mag., Aug.. 1859, p. 243.] 



Moylan Joins JJ\isliiiigtoii. 



APPOINTED MUSTEK-MASTER. 



On August II, 1775. Washington had issued this order: 

" The Commander-in-Chief has been pleased to appoint Stephen 
Moylan, Esq., to be Muster-Master General to the Army of the 
United Colonies. He is in all things touching his duty as Muster- 
Master General, to be considered and obeyed as such." 

On the 14th Washington appointed Major Thomas Mifflin 
Quartermaster-General, and ordered : 

" As the troops are all to be mustered as soon as possible, the 
Muster-Master General, Stephen Moylan, Esq., will deliver the com- 
manding officer of each regiment thirty blank muster rolls, upon 
Friday next, and directions for each Captain how he is to fill up 
the blanks." [Am. Ar., 4th Series, Vol. Ill, p. 250.] 

CONDITIONS OF THE ARMY. 

The condition of the army at the time Moylan was appointed 
Muster-Master General is set forth by Moylan's associate. Colonel 
Joseph Reed, in a letter to Elias Boudinot dated " Camp at Cam- 
bridge. August 13, 1775": 

" We heard, and we find it true, that the Army was a scene of 
disorder and confusion, that the Officers were not only ignorant and 
litigious but scandalously disobedient, and in the last action many 
of them proved such notorious cowards that the very existence of 
the army, and consequently the salvation of America, depended 
upon an immediate reform. This could never have been made 
among themselves. It required all the weight and influence of 
General Washington, under a Continental commission and assisted 
by every one around him in whom he could confide, to execute this 
necessary work. . . . Such a scene opened to the General that I 
assure you there was reason to fear his supporting himself under 
it, if those of us who accompanied him had not pledged ourselves 
to give him every aid in our power. He expressed himself to me 
in such terms that I thought myself bound by every tie of duty 
and honour to comply with his request to help him through this 
sea of difficulties. The men who compose the army are tractable 
and generally well behaved, but by suffering them to choose their 
own officers it seems to me they have excluded every gentleman 
and have picked out such as would give them every indulgence or 
sought the service for the profit." [M^.] 



10 Conditions of the Army. 

Washington, writing, on August 29, 1775, to Richard Henry 
Lee, said: 

" As we have now nearly completed our lines of defence, we 
have nothing more in my opinion to fear from the Enemy, pro- 
viding we can keep our men to their duty and make them watchful 
and vigilant; but it is among the most difficult tasks I ever under- 
took in my life to induce the people to believe that there is or can 
be danger till the Bayonet is pushed at their breasts ; not that it 
proceeds from any uncommon prowess, but rather from an unac- 
countable kind of stupidity in the lower class of these people, which 
believe me prevails but too generally among the officers of the 
'Massachusetts part of the Army, who are nearly of the same kidney 
with privates. . . . 

" There is no such thing as getting officers of this stamp to 
exert themselves in carrying orders into execution — to curry favour 
with men (by whom they were chosen, and on whose smiles possibly 
they may think they may again rely) seems to be one of the prin- 
cipal objects of their attention. . . . 

" On Saturday night last we took possession of a spot within 
point blank shot of the enemy on Charlestown neck, worked in- 
<:essantly the whole night with 1,200 men, and threw up an intrench- 
ment such as to bid defiance to their cannon ; about nine o'clock 
on Sunday they began a heavy cannonade which continued through 
the day without any injury to our work, and with the loss of four 
men only, two of which were killed. The cannonade however we 
were twice obliged to submit to with impunity not daring to make 
use of artillery on acct. of the consumption of powder, except with 
one nine pounder placed on a point, with which we silenced, & 
indeed sunk, one of their Floating Batteries. 

" This move of ours, was made to prevent the Enemy from 
gaining this hill and we thought was giving them a fair challenge 
to dispute it for we had been told by various people who had just 
left Boston, that they were preparing to come out, but instead of 
accepting of it we learn that it has thrown them into great con- 
sternation. Yesterday afternoon they began a Bombardment with- 
out any effect, as yet." [AfS.] 

MOYLAN FITS OUT ARMED VESSELS. 

In October. 1775. Congress learned that there had sailed from 
Ensrland, without convov, " two north country built brigs of no 



Moylan Fits Out Armed Vessels. ii 

force loaded with arms, powder and other stores for Quebeck 
which it being of importance to intercept," General Washington, 
on October 4th, was directed to " apply to the Council of Massa- 
chusetts Bay for two armed vessels in their service and despatch 
the same with sufficient number of people, stores. &c., particularly 
a number of oars, in order, if possible, to intercept the said two 
brigs and their cargoes, and to secure the same for the use of the 
Continent ; also any other transports laden with ammunition, cloth- 
ing or other stores, for the use of the ministerial army or Navy in 
America, and to secure them in the most convenient places for the 
purpose above mentioned ; . . . that the General be directed to 
employ the said vessels and others, if he judge necessary, to effect 
the purpose and that he be informed that Rhode Island and Con- 
necticut vessels of force will be sent directly after them, to their 
assistance." 

Though these were " privateers," as Washington spoke of 
them, the fitting out of these armed vessels may be said to be the 
beginning of the Navy of the United Colonies. It was designed 
not to attack British armed vessels but to intercept unarmed supply 
vessels without force so as to capture the supplies going to Quebeck 
to the British forces there, and later those going to Boston where 
the British were besieged. 

It was with the fitting out of the two and, later, seven armed 
vessels that the Muster-Master General cooperated with Colonel 
John Glover of the Marblehead " Marine" Regiment composed 
principally of seafaring men. 

On October 4. 1775, Washington appointed Colonel John 
Glover and Muster-Master General Moylan to fit out two " prime 
sailers, to put them in the best order and lose no time." So Colonel 
Joseph Reed wrote, by direction of General Washington, to Colonel 
Glover, at Marblehead on October 4, 1775. adding: 

" Mr. Moylan, the Muster-Master General is associated with 
you in this business ; and whatever engagements are entered into 
by you and Mr. Moylan, when you may happen to be together, or 
by either in case one goes to Newbury, the General will fully ratify 
and confirm." 

" Instructions" were also sent as to the kind of vessels, their 
appraisements, armament, etc. 

On the 7th of October Washington wrote Moylan at Salem or 
Marblehead that if he thought he could, without inconvenience, go 



12 Moylan Fits Out Armed Vessels. 

to Portsmouth to conduct matters relative to a supply of flour to do 
so and settle the matter on the best terms. 

Two days later Moylan and Glover wrote Washington from 
Salem that owing to difficulty of procuring carpenters it would be 
Saturday before the first vessel would be ready, and on that day 
the Captain and Company might be sent. On the following Wed- 
nesday the other vessel would be ready. 

They related the difficulties which occurred in the hiring of the 
vessels; that a schooner had been hired from Mr. Stevens of 
Marblehead noted for her good qualities and would be ready in 
twelve or fourteen days ; that yesterday two large ships of war 
were seen coming out of Boston harbor, which it was believed were 
going to Portsmouth. " Mr. Moylan will set out for that place 
to-morrow." 

" Your Excellency may ht assured we have used our best in- 
telligence in transacting this business and will continue to do so in 
fitting them out, appointing agents and in every command you may 
please to honour us with." 

On October ii, 1775, Colonel Reed, for Washington, replied 
that it was " a disappointment that the vessels cannot be got ready 
sooner," as a " number of transports from England are hourly ex- 
pected on the coast." So Washington directed : " Not a moment 
of time be lost in getting them ready and proceed to Newbury and 
take up a fourth vessel on the same service. Should Mr. Moylan 
be gone to Portsmouth, Colonel Glover was to forward this letter 
by express that he may return to Newburyport to take up the fourth 
vessel and let us know what he will want to equip the vessel for sea." 

The vessels of Captain Nicholas Broughton and Captain John 
Selman were engaged and fitted out. On October 12th Colonel 
Reed notified both : " Lose no time. Everything depends upon ex- 
pedition." 

Broughton was appointed Captain and directed to " proceed on 
board the schooner ' Hannah' at Beverly" and to " cruise against 
such vessels as may be found on the high seas in the service of the 
Ministerial Army and to seize all such vessels laden with soldiers, 
arms, ammunition or provisions." 

On October 10, 1775, Moylan was at Newbury, Mass., and 
there appointed Tristam Dalton, Agent, to take care of any prizes 
that might be sent in by the three armed schooners fitting out to 
distress the enemv in Boston. 



Moylan Fits Out Armed Vessels. 13 

From Newburg Moylan went to Portsmouth where he arrived 
on nth. He deHvered to the Chairman of the Committee of Safety 
Colonel Reed's letter, with the result that the Committee agreed to 
deliver to Moylan 1200 barrels of flour and would let him know 
what would be done with the rest of the cargo when they heard 
from General Washington, to whom they had written, "but," re- 
ported Moylan to Washington, " as a half loaf is better than no 
bread, I told them I would take immediate charge thereof, and 
yesterday I engaged two sloops to begin the transportation." 

Concerning the flour he wrote : " I find by having had a few 
barrels weighed they fall short 3, 4 & 5 pounds of the weight marked 
on them, and as it will probably become a Continental charge I 
have thought it best to have them all weighed, that the publick, or 
the commissary into whose hands they may fall, may not pay for 
more flour than they really have. As there are people in this town 
inimical to the Cause, I think it best (in part) to keep it secret 
where the flour is to be landed. The engagements I have made 
are that they must proceed to Newburg, Ipswich, Cape Ann, Salem 
or Marblehead according to the orders I shall give them when going 
to sea." 

He reported that he had appointed Tristram Dalton Agent for 
the prizes and also Colonel Joshua Wentworth for the Province, 
who are " to obey all orders received from Headquarters." 

He requested Washington to send him two hundred and forty 
dollars to pay freight and other charges. 

To this report came the reply : " The General is pleased with 
your proceedings." Colonel Reed added: "We are very anxious 
to hear of the armed vessels being ready for sea. Every day, every 
hour is precious. It is now fourteen days since they were set on 
foot. Sure they cannot be much longer in preparing." 

The $240 were sent by messenger. 

Washington, writing to his brother, John Augustine, October 
13' i775» said: 

" Finding that we were in no danger of a visit from our neigh- 
bours, I have fitted out and am fitting out several privateers with 
soldiers who have been bred to the sea ; and I have no doubt of 
making captures of several of their transports, some of which have 
already fallen into our hands laden with provisions." [Am. Ar., 4th 
Series. Vol. III. p. 1055.] 

The armed vessels fitting out were the schooners " Lynch," 



14 Operations of the Vessels. 

Captain Nicholas Broughton, and the " Frankhn," Captain John 
Selman. They were named after two of the Committee of Congress 
consulting with Washington. Later the " Harrison," after the third 
member of the Committee, was fitted out as were the " Lee," the 
"Warren" and the "Washington." About January i, 1776, the 
" Hancock" was added. Of this fleet Washington had the entire 
command, Moylan conducting the correspondence after having 
fitted the vessels out. In January Captain Manly was appointed by 
Washington commodore of the fleet. 

It is to be remembered these were not Continental vessels but 
" privateers," as Washington called the vessels which he fitted out 
to prey upon unarmed supply vessels. Congress was at this time 
promoting the fitting out of armed vessels under Continental au- 
thority to attack armed vessels of the British. The first was the 
" Lexington," to which Captain John Barry was appointed, on 
December 7, 1775, Captain, and the " Reprisal," of which Captain 
Wickes was made Commander the same day. 

On October 16, 1775, Washington sent orders to Moylan and 
Glover, then at Marblehead, that the two vessels must be imme- 
diately dispatched. At the same time he ordered Captain Broughton 
to " proceed to intercept two north-country brigantines of no force" 
bound for Quebec laden with 6,000 stand of arms, powder and 
other stores. Captain Selman received the same order but to act 
with Broughton whom he was to consider as Commodore. 

But the vessels were not ready and would not be for two weeks. 
" If not soon at sea," wrote Colonel Reed, " we shall heartily regret 
it was ever undertaken." On the 19th he wrote Moylan: "For 
God's sake hurry ofif the vessels ; transports without convoy arrive 
every day at Boston." Moylan and Glover that day wrote Reed to 
inform Washington that the two vessels " will both be ready to sail 
to-morrow. Mr. Moylan has the pleasure to inform His Excellency 
that the flour is all arrived." 

MOYLAN AND A FLAG. 

On the 20th Reed wrote to Moylan and Glover that British 
squadron is bombarding Falmouth and Portsmouth. Our vessels 
must be careful how they fall in with them. " Please fix upon 
some particular color for a flag and a signal by which our vessels 
may know one another. What do you think of a flag with a white 
ground, a tree in the middle, the motto ' Appeal to Heaven' ? This 



Moylan and a Flag. 15 

is the flag of our floating batteries. We are fitting out two vessels 
at Plymouth and when I hear from you on this subject I will let 
them know the flag and signal, that we may distinguish our friends 
from our foes." 

Next day from Beverly Moylan and Glover notified Reed: 
" The schooners sailed this morning. As they had none but their 
old colours, we appointed them a signal, that they may know each 
other by, and be known by their friends — the ensign up to the main 
topping lift." 

" Mr. Moylan has ordered 300 bbls. of flour that was at Ipswich 
to this place for the use of the Navy ; it saves some miles of land 
carriage." Among the articles wanted " immediately" were " two 
signal flags." 

" THE SPIRIT OF EQUALITY." 

The vessels of Broughton and Selman having been despatched 
two others were being fitted out. Moylan, on the 24th, wrote Reed : 

" I wish with all my soul that thes*^ two vessels were dispatchd 
cheifly for the publick service, & also that I may have the pleasure 
of seeing my friends Mr. Lynch & Col. Harrison, I want much to 
be introduced to Doctor Franklin for whom I have many years a 
vast veneration. I think they will be off on Thursday evening, if 
they are, I will be with you on Friday, 

" Col. Glover shewed me a Letter of yours which has mortified 
him much, I realy & sincerely believe he has the cause much at 
heart, & that he has done his best (in the fitting out these four last 
vessells), for the publick service you cannot conceive the difficulty 
the troubled & the delay there is in procuring the thousand things 
necessary for one of these vessells, I dare say one of them might 
be fitted in Philadelphia or New York in three days, because you 
would know where to apply for the diflferent articles but here you 
must search all over Salem, Marblehead, Danvers & Beverly for 
every little thing that is wanted. I must add to these the jobbing 
of the carpenters, who are to be sure the idlest scoundrels in nature, 
if I could have procured others, I should have dismissed the whole 
gang of them last Friday, & such religious rascalls are they, that 
we could not prevail on them to work on the Sabbath. I have stuck 
very close to them since & what by scolding & crying shame for 
their torylike disposition in retarding the work I think they mend 
something. 



i6 The Spirit of Equality. 

" There is one reason, & I think a substantial one, why a 
person born in the same town or neighborhood should not be em- 
ployed on publick affair of this nature in that town or neighborhood, 
it is that the spirit of equality which reigns thro this country, will 
make him afraid of exerting that authority necessary for the ex- 
pediteing his business, he must shake every man by the hand, & 
desire, beg & pray, do brother, do my friend, do such a thing, 
whereas a few hearty damns from a person who did not care a 
damn for them would have a much better effect, this I know by 
experience, for your future government — indeed I could give other 
reasons, but I think this sufficient." 

Concerning this spirit of " equality" which pervaded the army 
General Wilkinson in his Memoirs states : " On entering the camp 
near Boston. I was struck with the familiarity which prevailed 
among the soldiers and officers of all ranks ; from the Colonel to 
the private, I observed but little distinction ; and I could not refrain 
from remarking that the military discipline of their troops was not 
so conspicuous as the civil subordination of the country in which 
I lived." 

Washington, writing to Congress, September 21, 1775, relative 
to the pay of officers, declared it " is one great source of that 
familiarity between officers and men which is so incompatible with 
subordination and discipline." 

On October 25, 1775, Colonel Reed wrote Glover and Moylan 
at Salem or Marblehead: That intelligence from Boston w^as that 
" a transport with 1200 bbls. of powder, w'ithout convoy or force, 
had been missing and expect to fall in our hands." A large 
schooner carrying ten guns would be fitted out. " I have given 
them the signals." [Washington Papers, VIII.] 

On 27th Moylan, from Beverly, wrote Reed that young Captain 
Glover had returned without the 300 swivel shot — the " most 
material article." He says there were none, but there were plenty 
of " 4-0Z. bullets which, if he had had one ounce of sense must have 
known would answer all the purposes." 

" Captain Manly's vessel is all ready. We now only wait the 
collecting together his hopeful crew to send him off. I have de- 
clared that if there are even thirty on board to-morrow morning 
and the wind proves fair that he shall hoist sail. I am much 
grieved that I had not the pleasure of seeing Mr. Lynch and Col. 
Harrison. I regard them highly. Dr. Franklin is going and you 



Moylan Oitarterinaster-General. ly 

are also on the wing. Every one engaged in this contest must 
sacrifice their private satisfaction to the public good." [Washing- 
ton's Papers, Vol. VIII.] 

On October 28th Moylan and Glover wrote Colonel Reed that 
Captain Glover had brought " all the things we wrote for" except 
the 300 swivel shot which were not to be had. There was a short- 
age of ammunition for Captain Adams whose vessel was ready but 
there was no appearance of him or his men. " Captain Manly is off 
and only waits a fair wind to proceed to sea." 

Reed replied on the 30th and added, " I am just starting for 
Philadelphia." 

Washington felt the loss of the services of Reed very much, 
Edmund Randolph and George Baylor had, on August 15th, been 
appointed to aid Reed. After Reed's retirement Robert Hanson 
Harrison, on November 5th, became Secretary. At this time 
Moylan was at the Camp at Cambridge as Mustermaster-General, 
but frequently acting as Secretary pro tern for the General. 

On November 20, 1775, Washington wrote Reed: 

MOYLAN " VERY OBLIGING." 

" You can judge that I feel the want of you when I inform 
you that the peculiar situation of Mr. Randolph's affairs obliged 
him to leave this place soon after you did ; that Mr. Baylor, con- 
trary to my expectations, is not in the smallest degree a penman, 
though spirited and willing; and that Mr. Harrison, though 
sensible, clear and perfectly confidential, has never yet moved upon 
so large a scale as to comprehend at one view the diversity of 
matter which comes before me, so as to afford that ready assistance, 
wdiich every man in my situation must stand more or less in need 
of. Mr. Moylan, it is true, is very obliging; he gives me what 
assistance he can ; but other business must necessarily deprive me 
of his aid in a very short time." [Amer. Arch., 4th Series, Vol. Ill, 
p. 1619.] 

To show the assistance of Moylan at this time observe the 
numerous letters written by him on Washington's affairs which 
appear in this narration. 

WASHINGTON LAMENTS THE DEARTH OF PUBLIC SPIRIT. 

Washington wrote to Reed on 28th November, 1775 : 
" Such a dearth of public spirit and such want of virtue, such 
stock jobbing and fertility in all the low arts to obtain advantages, 



i8 JVasJiingfou Laments the Dearth of Pitblie Spirit. 

of one kind or another, I never saw before, and pray God I may 
never be witness to again. . . . Could I have forseen what I have 




HANDWRITING OF MOYLAN 

and am Hke to experience no consideration upon earth should have 
induced me to accept this command. A Regiment or any sub- 
ordinate department would have been accompanied with ten times 



Moylan's Letters. 19 

the satisfaction— perhaps the honour. ... I find it necessary that 
the aids to the commander-in-chief should be ready at their pen 
to give that ready assistance expected of them. What can your 
brethren of the law mean by saying your perquisites as Secretary 
must be considerable? I am sure they have not amounted to one 
farthing." [Life Reed, I, 132; Sparks', III, 178.] 

moylan's letters. 

From Cambridge, November 4, 1775, Moylan wrote the Com- 
mittee of Safety of Dedham, Mass., that Washington had received 
a letter from David Parker in which he most pathetically deplores 
his situation and made " the most solemn assurances of contrition 
for the part he acted and strong declarations of his regard for the 
liberties of his Country, he prays that the arrest under which he 
now is may be removed." 

Washington had " no objection to his enlargement," provided 
he " can make it clear to the Committee that he is no longer inimical 
to the Country." Moylan likewise wrote Parker to the same pur- 
port. He also expressed to Samuel Goodwin, Washington's pleasure 
at his having supplied General Arnold with the plans of his route 
to Quebec — that *' if it should be found necessary to lay out the 
road," Washington " won't be unmindful" of Goodwin's services. 

On November 5, 1775, Moylan wrote Bartlett relative to the 
capture of a sloop from Boston by Captain Brown. That Wash- 
ington directed an inventory be made of the goods. That the 
General would make such satisfaction to the two resolute fellows 
who first ventured on board as is in such cases proper and cus- 
tomary. " Providence." concluded Moylan, " has sent us a good 
supply of wine by a vessel from Philadelphia, being stranded at 
Eastham with 120 pipes bound to Boston of which 118 are ordered 
to Cambridge." [Am. Ar., 4th Series, Vol. III. p. 1367.] 

Later he wrote Watson. Agent at Plymouth, that the wine 
belonged to Thomas Satler of Philadelphia and. was not intended 
for the enemy. So he was to have it stored and await directions. 

The following day he notified Watson to send the wine to 
Washington's camp, where it would "be sold for the public use 
and bring a good price." That the General, on account of the 
advanced season and the difificulty of procuring cannon, would order 
out no more armed vessels. The intention in fitting out these vessels 



20 Success of the Prk'ateers. 

is not to attack the armed but to take unarmed vessels. He wished 
Captain Coit success. 

SUCCESS OF THE PRIVATEERS. 

Capain Coit did have a success. That day he, after a cruise of 
thirty-six hours, brought into Plymouth the schooner " Industry" 
and the sloop " Polly," both from Nova Scotia bound for Boston 
with cattle and provisions for the garrison. [Am. Ar., 4, III, 1328.] 

Watson, the Agent at Plymouth, pastured the cattle there and 
sent the prisoners to Washington at Cambridge. On November 
loth Moylan notified the General Court of Massachusetts of the 
capture, sending, by " command of Washington, the papers in the 
case" and also Jabez Hatch " who appears to be a noted Tory and 
is owner of one of these vessels," whom Moylan requested the 
Council to do with as seemed proper. [Ibid.] 

On November 8th Moylan wrote Watson that Washington 
desired him to " sell the articles found on the two prizes." " We 
shall soon hear of Captain Manly's being successful and that Cap- 
tain Coit is again at sea, to pursue his good fortune. The men and 
ammunition for the ' Washington' will set out to-day. I recom- 
mend all possible dispatch to Captain Martindale." 

The same day he wrote John Brown at Providence, R. I., that 
the General had ordered Colonel Gridley to " procure the cannon 
necessary for the use of the camp." 

Mo}lan also, on the same day, wrote Captain E. Bowen, Jr., 
" time is very short for expecting more prizes, the season being so 
far advanced. This is one reason his Excellency's determination 
not to fit out more cruisers for the present." 

CAPTURES WITHOUT AUTHORITY. 

On November 4, 1775, a sloop, the " North Briton." was cap- 
tured by " two resolute people in a small boat at one of the islands 
called Misery." 

On November 8th, off Beverly, a schooner laden with supplies 
was captured by " fifteen men." 

The Commander refused to show the ship's papers to Bartlett, 
the Prize Agent, who wrote to Washington for directions, " for if 
I have no power to make such demand T make myself ridiculous 
in the eyes of the w-orld." On November nth Movlan wrote that 
Washinsfton's advice was to " have nothinsr to do with such vessels 



Captures Without Authority. 



21 



by any authority under him. Don't trouble yourself or the General 
with a litigious dispute. In short, get rid of the trouble in the 
best way you can and let us hear nothing further thereon." 

The captures, it is to be noted, were made by individuals not 
having authority to make captures. Yet on 15th Moylan wrote 
Bartlett that as the goods on the schooner must be sold at vendue, 
he requested that all the claret be purchased for him. " As it is a 
liquor not much used in this country, it will probably sell cheap. 
Should you have occasion for part of it yourself, you will, by all 
means, keep whatever you may want." [^lag- Am. His., Mav, 
1890.] 

On November 9th Moylan wrote Captain Jonathan Glover at 
Marblehead that the General directed that the persons belonging 
to the two schooners sent into Marblehead be discharged, but that 
bondsmen be had that they will not leave the district nor give in- 
formation concerning the destination of Captains Broughton and 
Selman ; they were to be well looked after. The wood on the sloop 
brought in by Manly was to be sold and the vessel laid up until 
it was determined whether she was a prize or only a recaptured 
vessel. 

The next day, loth, Moylan wrote Wentworth, Chairman of 
the Committee at Newburyport, that the Penobscot Indians needed 
powder; that "if not supplied by us with some, they will make 
application to the enemy, who, no doubt, would gladly embrace such 
an opportunity of making them friends." Washington directed 
that two barrels be given them out of the stock of the Committee, 
which " he would replace if it is not done by the legislature." 

On November i6th Moylan wrote Watson at Plymouth that 
Washington ordered that those captured by Captain Coit be given 
their bedding and wearing apparel, but he was at a loss to know 
whether it is customary to return the money found on prisoners ; 
these people do not merit any indulgence. " His Excellency would 
rather err on the side of mercy than that of a strict justice. Let 
me know your opinion in this matter." 

Watson, on November 23d, replied advising that the matter be 
referred to the Committee of Safety. 

On October 18, 1775, Falmouth was destroyed by the British ; 
they burned five hundred houses, fourteen vessels, and all without 
loss to themselves. " A full demonstration that there is not the 
least remains of virtue, wisdom or humanity in the British Court." 



"22, "Popish Bigotry. 

Measures were taken after this devastation to defend the town 
against further attacks. On November 24th Moylan wrote Samuel 
Freeman of Falmouth that Washington approved of what had been 
done in defence of the port, adding : " It is incumbent on the people 
of the country to exert themselves for their and the publick defence. 
The Congress are so much of that opinion that they have recom- 
mended it to each of the Colonies to provide for their particular 
internal safety." [Am. Ar., 4, III, 1666.] 

POPISH BIGOTRY. 

While Moylan, a Catholic, was so active, Jacob Bayley was 
writing from Newbury to Colonel Little relative to Canadian affairs, 
saying: " Our people, doubtless, are amongst them which will wear 
out their Popish bigotry ; until that is done no great trust to the 
French." [Ibid, 1664.]' 

Instead of wearing out the " bigotry" of the Canadians, that 
kind of language, and conduct to accord with it, wore out the 
friendship and aid of the Canadians. 

General Howe at same time wrote to the Earl of Dartmouth: 
" This army, though complete in the Spring, must have six or seven 
thousand recruits and chiefly of the worst kind if chiefly composed 
of Irish Roman Catholics, certain to desert if put to hard work, 
and, from their ignorance of arms, not entitled to the smallest 
confidence as soldiers." [Am. Ar., 4, III, 1673.] 

It was not very long before General Howe himself, when in 
Philadelphia, undertook to form a regiment of such Irish Roman 
Catholics as could be recruited or induced to desert from Wash- 
ington's Army at Valley Forge. He had confidence enough in 
such as he could get to avail himself of their services. 

Captain Adams had taken a vessel with a cargo of potatoes and 
turnips, which seems not to have been regarded as a valuable prize, 
in contrast with one taken by Captain Manly. Moylan, writing 
from Washington's camp on December i, 1775, to Colonel Joshua 
Wentworth, at Portsmouth, saying: 

" We are all flushed with the agreeable account of Captain 
Manly's having taken a prize of the utmost consequence, which 
made us look over the potatoes and turnips of Captain Adams, but, 
now being a little cool, I assure you I do not think Adams' hon 
fortune so despicable. Though of little value to us. it is depriving 



Capture of Supplies. 23 

the enemy of what to them would be of consequence. As to the 
prisoners, I wish you had Icept or discharged them. . . . You will 
please dispose of the cargo by the " Rainbow" and lay up the 
schooner until further orders. Though, if a reasonable price can 
be got for her, you may dispose of her. I hope Adams will soon 
take such a prize as Manly has. I really believe the cargo could 
-not cut short of iio.ooo sterling. To us it is invaluable." 

On December ist Moylan wrote Wm. Watson, Plymouth: 

*■ Capt. Coit's Lieutenant has been here and gives an account 
■of his schooner being so old and crazy as to be unfit for the service 
"he is employed in. If there was a possibility of fitting a better 
vessel out in six or eight days and removing the guns from on 
l)oard the schooner, His Excellency, would be glad it could be done, 
as there are store ships and transports expected all this month." 

Relative to Captain Martindale's finding it impossible to get 
men, Moylan declared " that the deficiency of public spirit in this 
country is much more than I could possibly have an idea of. 
Manly's crew will make their fortune by his activity — a quality 
Martindale is deficient in — get out his brigantine let the expense 
"be what it will." [Am. Ar., 4, IV, 153.] 

On December 2d Moylan wrote Bartlett and Glover, Agents 
of the brigantine " Nancy" at Beverly or Gloucester, that as it was 
" under consideration of Congress, the mode of disposing of such 
vessels and crews as are taken supplying the enemy it is his Ex- 
cellency's pleasure that Captain Hunter and his crew return to you, 
that their private adventure be given them with liberty to dispose 
thereof as they think proper, that they be treated with all humanity, 
due to fellow-citizens in distress." 

On December 4th Moylan sent the Massachusetts Council the 
names of the prisoners taken on the sloop " Polly" and the sloop 
" Success" and also five sailors of the " Canceaux" man-of-war. 
One was named Pat Burns. 

On December 4th Moylan, by Washington's " command," noti- 
fied Bartlett that concerning the capture of the sloop " Concord" 
from Glasgow with goods for Boston that though the enemy were 
daily seizing our vessels and that reprisals ought to be made, he did 
■not think he had authority to declare lawful captures could be made 
of vessels transporting goods from English or British owners for 
their agents here, and had referred the matter to Congress. 



24 Capture of Supplies. 

" OLD PUT." 

When Manly's captured stores were taken to Washington's 
camp at Cambridge the scene is thus described by Moylan in letter 
of December 5th to Colonel Reed : 

" I would have given a good deal that you was here last Satur- 
day when the stores arrived at camp. Such universal joy ran 
through the whole as if each grasped victory in his hand, to crown 
the glorious scene there intervened one truly ludicrous, which was 
old Put mounted on a large mortar which was fixed in its bed for 
the occasion, with a bottle of rum in his hand, standing parson to 
christen. Avhile godfather Mifflin gave it the name of Congress. 
The huzzas on the occasion I dare say were heard through all the 
territories of our most gracious sovereign in this Province. 

" The time of the Connecticut troops' enlistment being expired, 
the scoundrels are deserting the lines before we are prepared for 
such a defection." [Reed's Life, I, 134.] 

General Howe, in reporting to the Earl of Dartmouth. De- 
cember 3d. the capture of the " Nancy," stated she had " 4000 
stand of arms complete, 100,000 flints, a 13-inch mortar with other 
stores in proportion. " " The capture" is rather unfortunate to us. 
" The Rebels" are now furnished with all the requisite for setting 
the town on fire. 

These supplies were those taken on the " Nancy" captured by 
Manly. This capture was to Washington " an instance of divine 
favour — for nothing surely ever came more apropos." Though 
Manly " unluckily missed the greatest prize in the world — their 
whole ordnance — the ship containing it being just ahead — but he 
could not have got both." [Reed's Life, I, 132.I 

The " Nancy" sailed under convoy of the " Phoenix," man-of- 
war, and on November 27. 1775, General Howe wrote Earl of 
Dartmouth that she was " the only ordnance store ship missing. 
. . . The Rebel's cruisers are watchful and have already been too 
successful, and will probably do much more mischief unless the 
King's ship can contrive to cut them off." [Am. Ar., 4. HI, 1679.] 

Next day. 5th, he informed the Committee of Safety of Salem 
that the brig " Kingston Packet" had been taken at Barington, 
Nova Scotia, on suspicion of being engaged in business contrary 
to the Association of the United Colonies. Washington directed the 
Committee to determine the case. 



Tzvo Gentlemen from Antigua. 25 

Again, on December 5, 1775. he notified Captain Peleg Wads- 
worth that Washington desired he would examine the harbour of 
Cape Cod and see what fortifications may be necessary for its 
defence and to report thereof. 

On 6th to Salem Committee that Washington would con- 
tribute to the safety of the town when he can do it, consistent with 
that attention he must pay to the defence of the whole. 

Same day to Bartlett sending $2000 for military stores. 

On 8th to the Salem Committee delivering up the cargo of a 
vessel. 

Same day to Glover at Marblehead, that the affair of the 
" Kingston Packet" be managed " so that Headquarters may hear 
no more of it." 

December 9th — To Massachusetts Council sending four pilots 
taken by Captain Coit on board vessels taking supplies to the 
enemy in Boston. 

TWO GENTLEMEN FROM ANTIGUA. 

On December loth Moylan wrote Bartlett regarding the 
Captain of a captured vessel, that it was " very unlucky the Cap- 
tain threw his papers overboard — and if it were true that this was 
done after he was made a prize of, he deserves to be severely pun- 
ished and in any other war he would suffer death for such an 
action, but we must show him and all such who fall into our hands 
that Americans are humane as well as brave. You will, therefore, 
treat the prisoners with all possible tenderness." 

There were on board two gentlemen from Antigua — Mr. Burke 
and Mr. Gregory. Mr. Burke was " strongly recommended to our 
good friends in Boston, although not friendly to American liberty, 
he still has a character as a gentleman," and it was Washington's 
orders that he be treated as such. 

Mr. Gregory was " going to serve on a man-of-war. Both 
were to be paroled. . . . There are limes, lemons and oranges on 
board, which being perishable you must sell immediately. The 
General will want some of each as well as the sweetmeats and 
pickles, as his lady will be here to-day or to-morrow. You will 
please pick up such things as you think will be acceptable to her 
He does not mean to receive anything without payment." 

Washington ordered that prizes be not visited by people from 
the shore or from the armed schooners, " that embezzlement be 
particularly guarded against." [Mag. Am. His., 1890, p. 414.] 



26 New Army and Nezv Flag. 

The same day he wrote Bartlett by Captain Adams who was 
anxious to go on a cruise. " give him every assistance in your 
power — indulge him and let him proceed to sea." 

December 13, 1775, Moylan wrote to Watson at Plymouth: 
" Captain Manly's good fortune seems to stick to him ; he has 
taken three more valuable prizes. This shows what advantage these 
vessels would be, if the commanders were all as attentive to their 
duty and interest as Manly is. There runs a report that one of 
our little fleet is taken and carried into Boston. We shall be uneasy 
till we hear from Martindale, as he is the one suspected." 

December 14th, wrote Colonel Went worth at Portsmouth: 
" Captain Manly has been very successful, having taken three more 
prizes. I wish the commanders of the rest of our little fleet were 
as active ; if they were, we could conquer our enemies without 
loss of blood." 

THE NEW ARMY AND THE NEW FLAG. 

On January i, 1776. This day the newly recruited army — 
the really first Continental Army — was paraded by Washington and 
the new Union flag hoisted on Prospect Hill in compliment to the 
United Colonies. This Union flag was the thirteen stripes with the 
crosses of England and Scotland in the canton. 

Though England's cross was displayed, the day really marks 
the separation of America from England in the mind of Washing- 
ton, Moylan and many others. On that day the King's speech " full 
of rancour and resentment and declaring that vigorous measures 
would hereafter be pursued to crush the foul and unnatural rebel- 
lion and giving, as Washington declared, " the ultimation of British 
justice." was by General Gage sent out of Boston so as to be dis- 
tributed among Washington's men. When the Union flag was dis- 
played by Washington it was taken by the British " as a token of 
the deep impression the King's speech had made on us," wrote 
Washington, " and as a signal of submission." [Am. Ar., 4, 

IV, 570.] 

Instead of submission, " the Speech but strengthened the In- 
dependency thought which had been growing in many minds. 

FOR INDEPENDENCE. 

Colonel Moylan was eager for Independence six months before 
it w^as Resolved upon and the Declaration made. Writing to 
Colonel Reed from Cambridge we may be sure he expressed no 



Moylan Eager- for Independence. 27 

opinion on Independence adverse to those held by Washington. He 
said, January 2, 1776: 

" The Congress is still sitting and I am glad of it. Will they 
now hesitate? Look at the King's speech. Will they not imme- 
diately send embassies to some foreign powers? Will they not de- 
clare what his Most Gracious Majesty insist on they have already 
done? Will they not strain every nerve to accomplish it? Are 
there remaining any hopes of a desirable alternative? They are 
men of sense and will act right. 

" I should like vastly to go with full and ample powers from 
the United States of America to Spain, if my old friend Wall is 
still living, and he had influence, I am sure I could do service there. 
[Reed's Life, p. 139.] 

Who was this " old friend Wall" ? 

" We really are tired of inaction. . . . Why are not vessels 
sent out this winter from those ports which will continue open by 
God Almighty's permission? Will not Congress follow the good 
example of the Almighty and open them all to the world? The 
King's speech is the key to open all ports. 

" All the vessels are now in port — the officers and men quitted 
them ! What a pity, as vessels are every day arriving — the chance 
of taking any is pretty well over, as a man-of-war is stationed so 
as to command the entrance of Beverly. Salem and Marblehead. 
We must have ships to cope with them. I shall try and get some 
of them to sea while the weather continues mild. Five hundred 
men of the Irish reinforcement arrived within these few days at 
Boston." 

Again he returned to the subject of Independence when, on 
January 30, 1776, he wrote Colonel Reed: 

" BOLDLY DECLARE INDEPENDENCE." 

" Shall we never leave off debating and boldly declare Inde- 
pendence. That and that only will make us act with spirit and 
vigour. The bulk of the people will not be against it — ^but the 
few and timid always will, — but what can be expected of a con- 
trary conduct? Can it be supposed possible that a reconciliation 
will take place after the loss of blood, cities and treasure already 
suffered, but the war must come to every man's home before he 
will think of his neighbour's losses." [Life of Reed, I, 160.] 



28 "Boldly Declare Independence." 

Robert Morris, writing from the Falls of Schuylkill, July 20, 
1776, to Colonel Reed, said : " Remember me to Colonel Moylan." 

We have seen Moylan busy while away from the camp at 
Cambridge in fitting out vessels, and have noted his industry while 
at camp in assisting Washington in his correspondence. At times 
Washington was, as he wrote to his absent Secretary, Reed, January 
23, 1776, " so much taken up at his desk that I am obliged to neglect 
many other essential parts of my duty," as " Mr. Moylan's time 
must now be solely employed in his department of Commissary." 
He had hinted to Moylan and to Mr. Harrison " that as they really 
had a great deal of trouble each of them should receive one-third 
of" Reed's " pay, reserving to yourself the other third, contrary to 
your desire." 

On that date both Harrison and Moylan were not at camp; 
the former had written " to ascertain if his return cannot be dis- 
pensed with," and Moylan was away endeavoring to hasten the 
sailing of the fleet to attack British unarmed supply vessels. On 
19th he reported to Washington who received it on 25th, " but his 
time was so employed in despatching expresses to sundry places" 
that he could not send reply until the next day, when Harrison 
wrote Moylan: 

" His Excelency is much pleased that our Fleet is likely to 
get out again, & wishes your Return as soon as you have dis- 
patched them. Herewith you will receive the Commission you 
wrote for ; also a Copy of private Signals used by the King's ships 
in the American Service, which his Excellency desires you to 
furnish each of our Captains with & to return the Copy sent, when 
you come back. 

" As to the Attempts on the Fowey, he thinks, that the situa- 
tion of our Affairs at present will not justify it. But on your 
Arrival, will consider more of it, should there be the same Prospect 
of success that you apprehend there is now. 

" The Report you have had is too true ; but not so bad, we 
hope, as you have heard. However, it is certain that the great & 
gallant Montgomery, is no more. He, with his Aide-de-Camp, 
Captain McPherson and Captain Cheeseman of New York, fell the 
first fire ;' also Colonel Arnold is wounded in the Leg." 

Moylan returned to camp on January 24, 1776, and " by com- 
mand from his Excelency" he sent Major Hawley of Berkshire a 



Capture of the "Hope.'' 29 

commission " for such person as he may think quaUfied to muster 
the regiment raising in Hampshire and Berkshire." 

On 26th Moylan wrote the General Court of Massachusetts 
that Washington desired to know the mode of drawing the money 
the Province had offered to advance him for the use of the United 
Colonies. 

CAPTURE OF THE " HOPe" FROM IRELAND. 

In August, 1775, the ship " Hope" from Cork, Ireland, came 
up the Delaware River, with INIajor Christopher French of the 22d 
Regiment, British Army ; Ensign John Rotton, 47th Regiment, and 
Terence McDermott [in Washington's Papers called Cadet William 
McDermott] and two privates. The " Hope" was seized by one 
of the Pennsylvania armed boats and the officers and men made 
prisoners. They had come " hither without any knowledge of 
hostilities." They were, on August 12th, brought before the Penn- 
sylvania Committee of Safety and after examination it was found 
they had come " hither with an intention of joining the Ministerial 
Army at Boston, under the command of General Gage, who is 
now acting in a hostile and cruel manner against his Majesty's 
American subjects." The Committee paroled the officers but held 
their goods, both subject to Washington's orders. [Am. Ar., 
4, III, 499.] 

On August 25th Washington directed the prisoners be sent to 
Hartford, Connecticut. They were so sent. Washington directly, 
and also through his Secretary, Reed, had much correspondence 
with Major French concerning his application to be allowed to 
wear his sword, to be exchanged, or to be permitted to go to Ireland. 
Details of this can be had in the Connecticut Historical Society's 
Collections, Vol. I, and in the Washington's Papers in the Library 
of Congress. Our present concern in the case relates to the con- 
nection of Stephen Moylan therewith as Secretary to Washington. 

MOYLAN " tutors" MAJOR FRENCH. 

On February 10, 1776, Moylan, by direction of Washington, 
wrote Major French: 

" Sir : — Your repeated letters to Gen. Gates desiring liberty 
to go to Ireland on your parole were laid before his Excellency. 
I have it in command from him to inform you that he does not 
think himself authorized to grant license to any one to depart this 
Continent — that power is lodged only in the hands of the Congress, 



30 Moylan and Major French. 

I am also commanded to tell you that the General is surprised a 
gentleman of Major French's good sense and knowledge should 
make such a request. Let him compare his situation with that of 
such gentlemen of ours who by the fortune of war have fallen into 
the hands of their enemy. What has been their treatment ? Thrown 
into a loathsome prison and afterward sent in irons to England. 
I repeat — let the Major compare his treatment with theirs and 
then say whether he has cause to repine at his fate." 

French replied that General Gates had written him that Wash- 
ington was ever willing to grant indulgences to gentlemen officers, 
" but at present could not comply." He added : " Mr. Moylan was 
pleased to tutor me with a parallel upon the different treatment of 
prisoners which apears to me to have been lugged in (like the 
tailor in Lethe) by head and shoulders, as it was entirely foreign 
to the subject, since I did not complain of bad treatment. Why 
does Mr. Moylan, whom I don't know, write me upon a topic which 
I writ to General Gates about and why, at least, does he not assign 
a reason for General Gates not writing or signing the letter." [Con. 
His. Soc. Col., I, 212.] 

On November 15th Major French escaped, leaving behind him 
a journal. 

APPOINTED SECRETARY AND AIDE TO WASHINGTON. 

Though Moylan held the rank of Muster-Master he had been 
,7 attending to the duties of that position and also frequently acting 

k as Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief, he was not, officially, Sec- 

retary until March 5, 1776, and the next day he was named as an 
Aide. [Ford's Washington, XIV.] Colonel Knox "being desirous 
of it," Washington wrote Reed on March 7th. 

An Aide ranked as Lieutenant-Colonel. 

On March 7th Washington wrote Colonel Joseph Reed : " I 
have appointed Mr. Moylan and Mr. Palfrey my Aides-de-Camp 
so that I shall, if you come, have a good many writers about me." 

Moylan was Secretary to Washington when, on St. Patrick's 
Day, 1776, the British evacuated Boston. As Secretary he received 
the appeal sent out of Boston to Washington on March 8th by four 
leading citizens, stating: 

" As his Exc'y Gen. Howe is determined to leave the Town . . . 
a number of the respectable Inhabitants (being very anxious 



Appointed Secretary to Washington. 31 

for its preservation & Safety) have applied to Gen. Robertson," 
who . . . has communicated the same to Gen'l Howe who has 
assured him, "That he has no intention of destroying the town" 
" unless the Troops under his Command are molested during" 
"their Embarkation or at their Departure by the Armed Forces" 
" Without" 

If such an Opposition should take Place we have the greatest 
Reason to expect the Town will be exposed to entire Destruc- 
tion; And ... we beg we may have some Assurances that so 
dreadful a Calamity may not be brought on, by any Measures 
Without." 

" This paper," wrote Washington to Reed, " seems so much 
under covert, unauthenticated and addressed to nobody, that I could 
take no notice of it; but shall go on with my preparations as in- 
tended." [Sparks, III, 311.] 

Washington had made it known that he was determined to 
have possession of the City even if he had to burn it. Hence the 
alarm among its inhabitants and the consequent more hasty evacua- 
tion. 

SCARCITY OF POWDER. 

But for the scarcity of powder it is probable that Washington 
would have long before the evacuation have bombarded the City. 
On January 2, 1776, Moylan wrote Colonel Reed: "It will be 
possible to bombard Boston; give us powder and authority, for 
that you know we want as well as the other. Give us these and 
Boston can be set in flames." [Reed's Life, I, 137.] 

This scarcity of powder existed all the time Washington was 
besieging Boston. 

On August 4, 1775, Washington informed Congress he had 
not " more than nine rounds of powder a man" and that " our 
situation in the article of powder is much more alarming than I had 
any idea of." [Am. Ar., 4, III, 28.] 

The same day he wrote Governors Cooke and Trumbull : " Our 
necessities in the article of powder and lead are great — the caSe calls 
loudly for the most strenuous exertions of every friend of his 
country and does not admit of the least delay." He approved of 
an endeavor to capture powder at Bermuda where there was a 
considerable magazine. " No quantity however small is beneath 
our notice." [Ibid, 36-38.] 



32 Pozvder! Powder! 

NOT THE LIKE OF IT IN HISTORY. 

On January 4, 1776, he wrote Congress: 

" It is not in the pages of history, perhaps, to furnish a case 
like ours ; to maintain a post within musket shot of the enemy, for 
six months together, without powder, and, at the same time, to dis- 
band one army and recruit another, within that distance of twenty- 
odd British regiments, is more, probably, than ever was attempted. 
But, if we succeed as well in the last, as we have, heretofore, in the 
first, I shall think it the most fortunate event of my whole life." 
[Am. Ar., 4, IV, 567.] 

The same day he wrote his former Secretary, Joseph Reed, at 
Philadelphia : 

" Search the volumes of history through, and I very much 
question whether a case similar to ours is to be found; namely, to 
maintain a post, against the flower of the British troops, for six 
months together, without powder, and then to have one army dis- 
band and another to be raised, within the same distance of a re- 
inforced enemy. . . . For more than two months I have scarcely 
emerged from one difficulty, before I have been plunged into 
another. How it will end, God, in His goodness will direct. I am 
thankful for his protection to this time." 

POWDER ! POWDER ! 

The Journal of Elias Boudinot relates : 

" When our army lay before Boston in 1775 our powder was 
so nearly expended that General Washington told me that he had 
not more than eight rounds a man altho he had then near four- 
teen miles of line to guard and that he dare not fire an evening 
or morning gun. In this situation one of the Committee of Safety 
for Massachusetts, who was privy to the whole secret, deserted and 
went over to General Gage, and discovered our poverty to him. 
The fact was so incredible that General Gage treated it as a strata- 
gem of war and the informant as a spy ; or coming with the express 
purpose of deceiving him and drawing his army into a snare, by 
which means we were saved from having our quarters beaten up." 

" If we had powder," wrote Moylan to Reed, on January 30, 
1776, " I do believe Boston would fall into our hands." 

" OLD put" and POWDER. 

On February i, 1776, he wrote from Roxbury: "The bay is 
open, everything thaws except old Put. He is still as hard ^s ever, 



Putnam and Pozvder. 33 

crying out, ' Powder ! Powder ! Ye gods, give me powder.' " 
[Potter's Mo., VI.] 

As Putnam was born in 1718 he was nearly seventy years 
" old," but yet young in enthusiasm and zeal, as his cry for " Pow- 
der! Powder!" testifies. 

Washington, on 31st March, 1776, wrote his brother, John 
Augustine: " I have been months together with (what will scarcely 
be believed) not thirty rounds of musket cartridges to a man; and 
have been obliged to submit to all the insults of the enemy's cannon 
for want of powder, keeping what little we had for pistol distance. 
We have maintained our ground against the enemy, under this want 
of powder, and w^e have disbanded one army and recruited another 
within musket shot of two and twenty regiments, the flower of the 
British army, whilst our force has been but little, if any, superior 
to theirs ; and, at last, have beaten them into a shameful and pre- 
cipitate retreat out of a place the strongest by nature on this Con- 
tinent, and strengthened and fortified at an enormous expense." 
[Sparks, III, 340.] 

" I believe I may with great truth affirm that no man, perhaps, 
since the first institution of armies ever commanded one under more 
difficult circumstances than I have done." [Ibid, 343.] 

Washington, in April, 1776, moved his army from Boston to 
New York to counteract the movements of the enemy designed to 
make the Hudson River the campaigning region, so as to cut the 
Colonies in two, as it were, by separating New England from the 
other Colonies. 

General Charles Lee, second in command of the American 
army, then at Williamsburg, Virginia, on May 10, 1776, wrote 
General Washington, then at New York : " I am well pleased 
with your officers in general and the men are good — some Irish 
rascals excepted." He closed by sending " My love to Moylan." 
[Letters to W., I, 203.] 

APPOINTED QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 

Colonel Moylan was, at this time, Muster-Master General, an 
Aide to Washington and also his Secretary. On June 5th he was, 
by Congress, elected Quartermaster-General to succeed Colonel 
Thomas Mifflin. 

Congress also Resolved, That Stephen Moylan, Esq., have the 
pay of eighty dollars a month and the rank of Colonel. 



34 Moylan Quartcruiastcr-General. 

On June loth Congress received " a letter from Stephen Moy- 
lan expressing his grateful thanks to Congress for appointing him 
to the office of Quartermaster-General." 

Moylan was succeeded as Secretary to Washington on May 
l6th by Robert Hanson Harrison who had been also acting as Sec- 
retary from November, 1775. 

Of Moylan and Harrison Washington wrote : " Mr. Harrison 
is the only gentleman of my family that can afford me the least 
assistance in writing. He and Mr. Moylan have hitherto afforded 
me their aid and they really had a great deal of trouble." 

But once again Moylan acted as Secretary to Washington when, 
on June 13, 1777, Washington, at Morristown, New Jersey, wrote 
General Howe, the British General, commanding at New York, 
relative to the Exchange of General Charles Lee and the treatment 
of prisoners. It was sent by Washington to Congress on 14th. 
[Ford, V, 168.] 

On the return of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, as one of the 
Commissioners to Canada to secure the aid or neutrality of the 
Canadians he, at New York, on June 9, 1776, " Waited on General 
Washington ; saw Generals Gates and Putnam and my old acquaint- 
ance and friend Mr. Moylan." 

After arrival at Philadelphia to report to Congress he wrote, 
on June 14th, to General Gates to present his " respectful compli- 
ments to General Washington and remembrances to General 
Mifflin and my friend Moylan." [Rowland's Carroll, I, 176.] 

On June 10, 1776, Congress resolved that the Quartermaster- 
General be directed to procure and forward such tents, clothing 
and untensils as are wanted for the army in Canada, subject to the 
directions of the Commander-in-Chief. 

On June 17, 1776, Congress Resolved: That Mr. James Mease 
be directed to purchase and forward to the Quartermaster-General 
in New York as much cloth for tents as he can procure. 

On June 24th, information having been given Congress that a 
quantity of tents which were sent from Philadelphia for the use 
of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay have been stopped at New 
York by order of the Quartermaster-General, it was Resolved that 
the President write to the General on this subject and desire him 
to order the said tents to be re-delivered and forwarded to the 
Colony of Massachusetts Bay immediately. 

On June 29th Washington issued Order : " The General ex- 



Moylan's Writings. 35 

pects that all soldiers who are entrusted with the defence of army 
work will behave with great coolness and bravery and will be 
particularly careful not to throw away their fire." 

Washington expecting a combined attack by General Howe 
with ten thousand men and Admiral Howe, his brother, with one 
hundred and fifty vessels, issued an Order stating: 

" The time is now near at hand which must probably determine 
whether Americans are to be freemen or slaves ; whether they are 
to have any property they can call their own; whether their homes 
and farms are to be pillaged and destroyed, and they consigned to 
a state of wretchedness, from which no human efforts will prob- 
ably deliver them." etc. 

BRITISH CAPTURE NEW YORK. 

In June, 1776, Washington, to prevent the passage up the 
Hudson, in addition to guarding the Narrows, directed Colonel 
James Clinton, commanding Forts Constitution and Montgomery, 
to protect the fortifications in the Highlands. To Moylan was 
entrusted the work of sinking obstructions and erecting a chevaux 
de frise to still further debar the approach of the enemy. Affairs 
were in a critical position. The Americans were in a weak con- 
dition for lack of arms, while every man was needed to ward oflf 
the General and Lord Howe's impending blow — an attack on New 
York. But it is the movements of Moylan that concern our pur- 
poses. 

On June 2gth Henry B. Livingston wrote to Colonel James 
Clinton : 

''The [British] Fleet is arrived at Sandy Hook about 46-sail, 
and I go to my station to-morrow morning; it is a very honorary 
one, and one that I am much pleased with as the Genl has granted 
me great power. Col'l. Moylan tells me that a Number of stores 
are ready to be sent to the Forts." 

On July 4, 1776, Dr. James Clitherall of Charleston, S. C, 
records that on that day he called on General Washington who 
invited him to dine with him, " but being engaged with Colonel 
Moylan, Quartermaster-General of the American army, we could 
not accept of it." He dined with Washington the next day. The 
Doctor left Philadelphia on July 2d, "the glorious day that threw 
off the tyranny of George HL" carrying letters of introduction to 
Washington, IMifflin, Putnam, Moylan. Reed and Dr. Morgan. 



36 British Capture Nezv York. 

On July 1 6th Congress Resolved: That the Secret Committee 
be directed immediately to deliver to Mr. Mease to be sent forward 
to Colonel Moylan. Quartermaster-General, half a ton of saltpetre. 

Colonel Moylan, at New York, July 28, 1776, wrote to Jeremiah 
Wadsworth, New Haven, Conn. : " Hoped to have heard the night 
before of success to the eastward; their folks are idle for want of 
vessels; asks him to send fifty barrels of pitch and of turpentine, 
also coal ; the stoppage of the North River deprives them of plank 
and scantlin; asks him to send what he can pick up of these." 

OBSTRUCTING THE HUDSON. 

At this time Colonel Moylan was engaged in sinking a chevaux 
de Frise opposite West Point on the Hudson to debar the passage 
of the British up the river; he wrote to Committee of Safety at 
Philadelphia for one fitted to manage the erection of the work. 
The Committee replied that there had been " a proper Person spoke 
to to superintend the Water Chevaux de Frise at New York. It 
will be known to-day whether he will undertake it, if not. some other 
person will be immediately sent to you. In the mean Time you 
may provide the logs and engage the Workmen, as very few, per- 
haps not more than two or three, can possibly be spared from the 
Works here. In this Business House Carpenters who m.ay be 
found among the Troops may be employ'd as well as Ship Car- 
penters." " Some suitable Person will be sent you to rig the Gallies 
and sink the Chevaux de Frise." [Penna. Arch., ist Series, 1776.] 

Later the Committee wrote : " The bearer, Mr. Arthur Donald- 
son, is a person of Good character and has perfect skill & knowledge 
in constructing those kind of Machines." 

SUPPLIES GATHERED BY MOYLAN. 

In July, 1776, British vessels passed all the American batteries 
without injury up the Hudson. Washington believed this was in- 
tended " to cut off all intercourse between New York and Albany 
and to prevent supplies from coming or going, but he wrote Cong- 
ress, " that the commissary has told me that he has forwarded sup- 
plies to Albany sufficient for 10,000 men for four months ; that he 
has a sufficiency here (New York) for 20,000 men for three months 
and an abundant quantity secured in different parts of the Jerseys 
for the Flying Camp, besides about 4,000 barrels of flour in neigh- 
bouring parts of Connecticut. Upon this head there is but little 



Moylan and Supplies. 2i7 

occasion for any apprehensions, at least for a considerable time." 
[Sparks', III, 476.] 

This shows the efficiency of Colonel Moylan in gathering and 
transporting supplies, though there came difficulties later. 

On August 12, 1776, Washington sent Congress the " Return" 
of stores sent by Moylan to General Schuyler at Albany and a week 
later a report of the supplies sent General Gates. [Am. Ar., Vol. I.] 

On August 22, 1776, Colonel Clement Biddle from Perth Am- 
boy to Colonel Moylan at New York : " I last evening removed 
about 60 bbls. corn from the wharf (which has kiyn there from the 
morning for Mr. Marsh) to the barrack as we bad information of 
an attack on this place being intended but it proved false. I have 
several matters on which I must entreat your directions but the 
time is too full with expectations of great events to take off your 
attention at present. Last evening the Commissary informed me 
he had that day issued 5400 rations and 400 R's retained at this 
port of Perth Amboy but Col. Griffin tells me he cannot by the 
returns to him conceive there are 4000 men here; they are con- 
tinually coming in, chiefly militia; the flying camp forms slowly 
owing to all the militia being ordered out, which ocpasions our 
having a disorderly tho a fine body of men." 

Lord James Drummond, claiming authority to arrange terms 
of conciliation, endeavored to gain interviews with Washington who 
would in no manner recognize him. He was arrested and paroled — 
went to West Indies and returning sought Lord Howe's permission 
to land in New York. He, on August 19, 1776, wrote Washington 
in reply to his of 17th: " I had taken the precaution to prepare a 
letter to Colonel Moylan on that subject and which I read to Mr. 
Tilghman on his delivering me that of your Excellency, but which 
I forbore delivering as not thinking it sufficiently explicit." 

He sent his letter to Moylan and desired an interview to 
" afford me an opportunity of exculpating myself or place me in 
the situation to suffer that treatment which follows an infraction 
of parole." [Wash. MSS., VI, 179.] 

On August 27, 1776. was fought the battle of Long Island so 
disastrous, especially to the Maryland Line, to Washington's army. 
This was followed by Harlem Heights. September 16; White 
Plains, October 28th ; and the capture of Fort Washington by the 
British on November i6th, all more or less unfavorable to Washing- 



38 Lord Driimmond. 

ton and necessitating the memorable and marvelously strategic 
retreat through New Jersey. 

On September i, 1776, Colonel Richard Carey, Aide to Wash- 
ington and by his order wrote General Heath notifying him that 
Washington had directed Colonel Moylan to furnish the horses 
wanted and that Moylan was to place an assistant Quartermaster 
at King's Bridge to supply such articles as are necessary. 

On the 3d Colonel Moylan from New York wrote General 
Heath at King's Bridge that Washington had " ordered the tools 
and necessaries to some place of security from the enemy and as 
convenient as the situation will admit of, to Heath's encampment. 
Major Bacon was sent to consult and take Heath's orders. 

The same day Moylan was notified by Secretary Harrison that 
the Committee at Albany had sent boards to Peekskill and that 
Washington desired Moylan to get them down to King's Bridge 
or some place near it and that he would exert himself to have " a 
pretty considerable quantity provided as many will in all prob- 
ability be wanted to shelter the troops that may be stationed there 
and at the posts about it." 

On the 6th Colonel Moylan wrote John Hancock, President of 
Congress, concerning a quantity of Russia duck, which was in the 
hands of " Thomas Greene, Esq., of Providence, which is ordered 
by the Secret Committee to lay till further orders from them. We 
are here in great want of tents. If you could procure an order 
from said committee to have the duck made up into tents and 
forwarded to me it would be of the greatest service to the army." 

September 9, 1776, Washington's order to Moylan was " that 
you would without loss of time set about preparing a Sufficient 
Quantity of Boards, Scantlin and every Material necessary for the 
Building of Barracks at King's Bridge and the posts thereabouts. 
The North River, down which most of the Articles must come, is 
now entirely free from any Obstructions by the Enemy, but how 
long that may continue is uncertain. The Season advances fast, 
when it would be impossible for the Troops to lay in Camp, even 
if they were all supplied with Tents and had a sufficient stock of 
Blankets and other warm Cloathing ; but you well know that in the 
Article of Tents, at least one-third part of the Army are unpro- 
vided, and those that we have are worn and bad; as to bedding 
and other Cloaths they are in a manner destitute. We have every 
reason to fear and suppose, that the great naval Force of the 



Moylan and Supplies. 39 

Enemy will oblige us to quit this City whenever they please to make 
an attack upon it. We must then depend upon Barracks for Shelter, 
and for that reason you and your deputies to exert yourselves, in 
the most strenuous manner, in collecting such a stock of wood for 
the Buildings, and Brick or Stone and Lime for the Chimmes and 
ovens, as will enable you in a short time to provide comfortable 
coverings for the men, at the different posts." 

CONGRESS INVESTIGATES CONDITION OF ARMY. 

Congress, on September 21. 1776, appointed Roger Sherman, 
Elbridge Gerry and Francis Lewis a Committee to "inspect the 
state of the army at New York." They left Philadelphia the same 
day arrived at Washington's camp on 24th and spent three days 
in 'the examination. They reported to Congress on October 2d 
that the number of men in the army was 25,375 of which 16,905 
were fit for duty, 1543 on command and the residue sick or absent; 
that the militia on their march to the camp, but not included in the 
report "would amount to upwards of 11,000 men"; that the army 
wa^ well supplied with provisions, except vegetables which were 
not then to be procured ; there was a " want of salt" ; the sick have 
■been greatlv neglected and numbers have " dyed for want of neces- 
saries and 'attendance" ; military stores are wanted; the military 
chest has been too frequently unsupplied with money, but at present 
the pavmaster has a sum fully equal to the General's wishes; that 
cloathing and blankets are greatly wanted and a supply has been 
neglected as well from the want of a proper officer to superintend 
the business as from the scarcity of these articles; military disci- 
pline did not prevail. 

MOYLAN REQUESTED TO RESIGN. 

How and to what extent these delinquencies were chargeable 
to Colonel Moylan does not specifically appear, but it is evident 
from a letter of William Ellery, Delegate of Rhode Island, written 
September 27th to Governor Cooke of that Colony, that Colonel 
Moylan was held responsible for sufficient to warrant the Committee 
to ask him to resign. Ellery wrote : 

" The Committee who were appointed to inspect the state of the 
army at Harlem have returned and represented things in a more 
favorable light than we had used to view them. Methods are taken 
that the armv shall be better disciplined and provided in every 
respect than it hath been. " Although we have some good officers 



40 MoyJan Resigns. 

in some of the principal departments, yet in others there is great 
want of skill and abilities. The Quartermaster-General, ]\Ioylan, 
was persuaded by the Committee to resign, and Brigadier-General 
Mifflin was persuaded by the Committee to accept that office, with 
the rank and pay of Brigadier-General. This appointment will give 
great satisfaction to the army, for General Mifflin is not only well 
acquainted with the business of the office, but he hath spirit and 
activity to execute it in a proper manner." {Journal of Congress, 
V, p. 844; R. I. in Rev., 89.] 

moylan's explanation. 

Colonel Moylan's letter to Congress gives an explicit relation 
of the conditions of the army at the time and of the difficulties he 
encountered. It was addressed to the President of Congress : 

Harlem Heights, 27th Septr 1776. 
Sir: — 

The Field Deputies from Congress Conferd with me this day 
on the business of the Quarter Master Generals department, they 
told me that they found a disatisfaction prevail in the Army, by 
its not being Supplied Sufficiently with the necessaries in that De- 
partment, That it was their wish, to reconcile a body of Men So- 
very necessary for the defence, of the glorious Cause we are all 
engaged in, and proposed that General Mifflin Should resume that 
department as it appeared to them an effectual method, of giving 
Satisfaction to the Army, and bringing the department into more 
regularity, which I must own, there has of late been great need of. 
oweing to Causes, which I shall take the Liberty of pointing out to 
you, and through you Sir to Congress before I close this. 

These Gentlemen urged the necessity of this plan, which they 
had adopted. So forceably, and at the same time, in So delicate a 
manner, that I did not hesitate, in telling them, that as a Servant to 
the publick, I would very willingly resign my office, as it appeared 
to them, to be for the publick good. I placed my honour in their 
hands and I shall be very much mistaken in them, if they do not 
treat it with tenderness. They were pleased to tell me, I might 
have the Command of a Battallion, which tho I hold to be a most 
honourable post, for the following reasons I have declined : 

I St As the Quarter Master General is at the head of the Staff, 
I conceive that he takes rank of all Colonels in the Army, it being 



Moylan's Explanation. 4^ 

generally the Custom in most Nations, to give the Rank of Colonel 
to the assistants QrMrGenl at the end of one or two Campaigns, 
I therefore think that it would be going back in the army, rather 
than advancing which is what I can not reconcile to my feelings, 
especially, as there is a precedent, which differs. 

2dly Tho I have employed my Spare time, in Studying the 
art of War and for fifteen months past have seen a great deal of its 
practice, My vieus were turned to the Grand and extended parts 
thereof more than to the Minutio. I do not therefore think myself 
Capable of teaching a new Regiment the necessary duties. These 
Sir are the reasons by which I am actuated. At the Same time I 
can assure the Congress, that I am very willing to Sacrifice my 
Life, when Calld upon, in the glorious Cause which from the noblest 
principle, I have voluntarily engaged in. I shall settle my accts 
with the Commissioners as Soon as possible, and Serve a Volunteer 
in this Army, untill Congress is pleasd to point out Som other Line 
of Duty for me. 

I will now Sir beg Leave to mention the principal Causes 
which have given rise to the disatisfaction in the Army with my 
Department. When I had the honour of being appointed to the 
office, the Navigation of the North and the East Rivers, were ours, 
every thing wanting was Conveyed to us by these Channels every 
thing went" on Smooth, easy, Well. The few Waggons, and horses 
we had, tho allmost wore down in the Service, with a few more 
added by me, were Sufficient for all the exigencies of the Army, it 
was a long time after the arrival of the enemy before there was 
any just Cause for Complaint. A Large part of our Army was 
detached to Long Island, Waggons, Carts, and Horses were neces- 
sary to be sent over, many were sent thither. Perhaps there does 
not occur in History a Sadder retreat, so well Concerted, So well 
executed, than was made from that Island. But our Waggons, 
Carts, and Horses, Could not be brought on, the Navigation of 
both Rivers was stopped. Of course we were deprived of our 
usual Supply and then Complaints began, we wanted Waggons to 
do that duty, which boats were accustomed to do. 

I used every endeavour in my power to remedy the evil, it was 
too Sudden, and not in the power of man to provide time enough 
for the emergency. 

The Cooking utensils of Many Regiments Left on the Island, 
the fluctuating State of the Militia Coming in destitute of every 



42 Moylan's Explanation. 

necessary, drained our stores, and it must take up time to get fresh 
supplies. To this I may add, demands upon the Quarter Master 
General, before unheard of, in any army, which not being Complied 
with, gave Cause of Complaint. 

The removeing of the Stores from New York very Soon Com- 
menced, all our own and all the Teams, that Could be pressed or 
hired, were employed in that important Service, the Commissary 
Generals, the Director General of the Hospital, the Commissary of 
Artillery, and what Stores remained in my department, must be 
sent off and that Suddenly, this Movement naturally alarmed the 
army in and about the City, they wanted teams to move their bag- 
gage, &c., and none Could be Spared. This Caused great Clamour 
and the QrMi" General must be to blame, the Stores of the different 
departments were Crowded promiscuously on board of every vessel 
and boat we Could procure, no Store houses to put them in, pro- 
vided. Of Course Confusion in the extreme, did ensue, I may be 
asked why Storehouses were not provided, the maneuvre was un- 
expected no time allowed to build and very few houses or barns in 
this part of the Island. 

We were just emergeing from this Chaos when the field depu- 
ties arrived, but the Clamour of the Army had not time to Subside, 
the Loss of Baggage which were Loaded on Waggons, all falling 
into the enemys hands, irritated them, and I do suppose the repre- 
sentations of many, were strong against me, tho themselves were 
chiefly to blame for Leaving their Baggage in their great hurry. 
The Deputies from Congress were alarmed at the many Complaints 
and proposed, the remedy, which I chearfully acquiesd in, as it 
was their opinion, that it would be for the good of the Service. 
General Mifflins abilities were tried in this Department, they are 
great, and I Sincerely hope he will reconcile all matters, the pro- 
vision I have made will assist him greatly. Timber, plank, boards, 
nails, brick and Lime are engaged in Sufficient quantitys to build 
Barracks for the Army, I have contracted for ten thousand Camp- 
kettles which are daily comeing in. Fifty Waggons with four 
horses to each, are now purchasing in Pensilvania, there are be- 
tween this and Norwich Comeing to Camp fourteen thousand Can- 
teens and a Large quantity of pails, with many other articles which 
would take up too much of your time to enumerate. I must beg 
pardon of you Sir and the Congress for taking up so much of it as 
I have done, but justice to my own Character, will I dare say, with 
Gentlemen of Your Liberal Minds plaid my excuse. 



Moylaii a Volunteer. 43 

I will therefore add no more, than assureing you and them, 
that I am with the greatest respect 

Sir Your Most Obliged 

and very Humb. Sert. 

Stephen Moylan. 
[Papers of the Continental Congress, 78, Vol. XV, pp. 101-108.] 

Elbridge Gerry wrote to General Gates on September 27, 1776: 
" We have obtained Colonel Moylan's resignation and General 
Mifflin comes again into the office of Quarter Master General." 

Washington's General Orders of September 28th, issued at 
Harlem Heights, announced: 

" Stephen Moylan, Esq., having resigned his office of Quarter- 
master General, Brigadier General Mifflin is appointed thereto till 
the pleasure of Congress is known." 

In " the latter part of September," 1776, James Allen visited 
the American army at Fort Constitution or Fort Lee, lodged with 
Washington and " found there Reed, Tilghman, Grayson. Moylan, 
Cadwallader and others and was very happy with them." [Pa. 
Mag., 1885, p. 192.] 

Caesar Rodney, writing to Thomas Rodney, Philadelphia, Octo- 
ber 2, 1776, said: 

"... General Mifflin came to town the day before yesterday 
He brought letters from General Washington informing Congress 
that Mr. Moylan, the Quartermaster General, had resigned his com- 
mission, as unable to conduct the business of so many troops. That 
in consequence thereof, the General had prevailed on General 
Mifflin to accept, confident that there was not another man in the 
army who could carry on the business upon the present large plan." 

John Jay, writing from Fishkill, New York, to Edward Rut- 
ledge, October nth, said: "Moylan acted wisely and honestly in 
resigning." 

MOYLAN A VOLUNTEER. 

Moylan " remained constantly with the army as a Volunteer," 
wrote Washington to Congress, January 22, 1777. 

MIFFLIN SEEKS SUPPLIES. 

General Mifflin, on September 28, 1776, applied to the New 
York Provincial Congress, through Captain Berry, for supplies of 
lumber, shingles, wagons, horses and men, it being of the utmost 



44 MifHin Nezv Quartermaster-General. 

importance to the preservation of the army and the general cause 
of America that these should be procured with the utmost ex- 
pedition. 

THE COMMITTEE ON ARMY. 

Congress, on October ist, reported that three hundred thousand 
dollars were necessary " to enable the new Quarter Master General 
to supply the various and necessary supplies." 

That would suggest the main lack- of Moylan — " dollars neces- 
sary to enable" him " to supply the supplies." 

Washington, forced to abandon the defense of the Hudson and 
protect New York, retired to New Jersey and there began that 
wonderful strategic movement which marked him as a man of mili- 
tary abilities and reserved power for critical occasions. Backward 
and backward toward the Delaware until, in bleak and chilly Decem- 
ber, he had been pushed across the river. Suddenly, on that drear 
and wintry Christmas night, he recrossed the Delaware with his 
little army and — Trenton was fought and won. 

MOYLAN A VOLUNTEER AIDE. 

As volunteer Aide to Washington, Moylan, from Morristown, 
on December 15, 1776, wrote to General Heath: "My business was 
to push Lee's and Gates' armies to join General Washington. What 
the General gave me in command was to proceed to General Lee 
and Push him forward. The day I came up with his army was 
unfortunately the day he was taken prisoner. I was to proceed 
with him to push Greaton's, Bond's, Porter's, Patterson's, Stark's, 
Poor's and Reed's. I will follow if I can find out their route." 

Two days later General McDougal reported to Heath : " I found 
Colonel Moylan here [Morristown] in quest of the troops of Gen- 
eral Gates in order to quicken their march to join General Wash- 
ington." 

Pressed by the British, Washington reached the Delaware and 
crossed to the Pennsylvania shore. All seemed lost. " I am at the 
end of my tether. In ten days this army will have vanished," he 
said. " The game is up," he wrote his brother on December i8th, 
and as late as the 23d repeated the same disheartening cry. 

The British, too. were certain the end had come. " We have 
the old fox at last." Cornwallis had his baggage aboard ship at 
New York intending to return to England. 



Moylan an Aide to IVashington. 45 

The " Rebellion" had been conquered. The freezing of the 
Delaware and the expiration of the enlistments of the greater part 
of Washington's army alone delayed the crushing of the " foul and 
unnatural" revolt. Washington told Robert Morris : " You might 
as well attempt to stop the winds from blowing or the sun in its 
diurnal as to stop the men from going when their time is up"— 
January ist. 

But Washington awaited not the freezing of the water nor the 
expiration of term of enlistment. Washington's army had been 
reduced to about 2400. He sent hastening messages to Philadel- 
phia to push on the militia. Captain John Barry and Thomas Fitz- 
Simons, Colonel Moylan's brethren in Faith and his fellow-members 
of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, organized companies and has- 
tened to Washington's assistance. 

But Washington, admirable in conception, in times of greatest 
danger, at this — the crisis — would seem to have had the guidance 
of that Divine Providence on Whom he constantly relied. He 
projected a forward movement — an attack upon the whole British 
line from above Trenton down to opposite Philadelphia. Colonel 
Joseph Reed was entrusted with operations to cross from Bristol, 
Pennsylvania. He went to Philadelphia on the evening of Decem- 
ber 24th — Christmas Eve — to persuade General Putnam, who com- 
manded at Philadelphia, to send a force across the Delaware to 
Cooper's Ferry. There he met Colonel Moylan who had been sent 
by Washington to hurry on supplies. Robert Morris, writing on 
December 2t,, 1776, to President Hancock of Congress, stated: 

" I received last night a letter from General Washington, per 
Col. Moylan, requesting me to hurry Mr. Mease, to have soldiers' 
clothes made up with all possible diligence. He says muskets are 
not wanted there, but that comfortable clothing is exceedingly 
wanted. Colonel Moylan advises by all means to send up the stock- 
ings and great coats, now arrived, which I think I do." [Bull. Pa. 
His. So., Vol. I, 1845-47, P- 58-] 

" I am informed by Mr. Moylan that Col. Guyon (I think that 
is the name) was taken prisoner with General Lee." 

The " Andrew Doria," Captain Joseph Robinson, had just 
arrived from St. Eustatia, capturing a British supply sloop and 
bringing her to Philadelphia. She had stockings, jackets, coats, 
blankets, linen, muskets, powder and lead. [Ibid.] 

Six years after this time — in 1782 — Reed, when President of 



46 Colonel Joseph Reed. 

Pennsylvania, was charged by Dr. Benjamin Rush and General 
Cadwalader with, at this critical period in affairs, having con- 
templated going over to the British and with actually, at Burlington, 
having taken a protection from Colonel Donop the Hessian. 

In his defense he thus relates his presence in Philadelphia on 
Christmas Eve: 

" I lay down for a few hours and when morning came a num- 
ber of gentlemen, among whom I particularly recollect Colonel 
Moylan, Mr. James Mease and Mr. R. Peters, came and anxiously 
enquired into our situation and prospects. They can tell whether 
despondency or animation, hope or apprehension, most prevailed, 
and whether the language I held was not the very reverse of 
despair; the former [Moylan] may remember, that when urged to 
stay and partake of a social entertainment provided for the day, I 
declared my resolution that no consideration should prevent my 
return to the army immediately ; and that in a private conversation 
I pressed him to do the same, lest he should lose a glorious oppor- 
tunity to serve his country and distinguish himself. I was not at 
liberty to be perfectly explicit, but the hint was sufficient to a brave 
officer." [President Reed, by Wm. B. Reed, 2d Ed., 1867, p. 106.] 

This " brave officer" — Moylan — was one of Reed's life-long 
friends. 

Bancroft's History of the United States in describing the sever- 
ity of the weather this Christmas Day, states : " Moylan who set 
off on horseback to overtake Washington and share the honors of 
the day became persuaded that no attempt could be. made in such a 
storm and stopped on the road for shelter." [IX, p. 229.] 

Bancroft reiterated the charge against Colonel Joseph Reed 
whose grandson, William B. Reed, made vigorous defense, as his 
grandfather had done at the close of the Revolution. Several 
pamphlets were issued on the subject which excited great interest 
forty or more years ago. As an illustration that " Truth will pre- 
vail," it must be noted that it was not until 1876 when General 
Stryker, of New Jersey, whose Revolutionary historical narrations 
are of the highest import and value, settled the controversy by 
presenting evidence that it was Colonel Charles Read of the New 
Jersey Militia who had the interview with Donop, took " a pro- 
tection" from him and abandoned the American cause. 

Yet President Reed's enemies in his lifetime and Bancroft in 
our days recited, reiterated, argued and presented plausible proofs 



Battle of Princeton. 47 

of the despondency of Reed and of his intention to accept British 
allegiance, but that the victory at Trenton had caused him to change 
his mind. Yet it was all a case of mistaken identity. 

It was just one hundred years after the alleged intended de- 
sertion that evidence was found vindicating Reed's memory even 
to the satisfaction of Bancroft, who, when presented with the proof, 
requested that he be allowed to be the first to make it public. Gen- 
eral Stryker consented thereto. 

Then came the Battle of Trenton when, in a terrific snowstorm 
and keen, cutting cold, Washington crossed the Delaware and, 
attacking by daylight in the morning the Hessians, achieved a vic- 
tory which gave new hope, new life to the Patriots and changed the 
whole aspect of affairs, followed as it was by the victory at Prince- 
ton a week later. 

The day after the Battle at Trenton — December 27th — Colonel 
Moylan, at Newtown, Pa., wrote Robert Morris, at Philadelphia, 
sending a Return of the Prisoners taken at Trenton. They were: 
I Colonel, 2 Lieutenant-Colonels. 3 Majors, 4 captains, 8 Lieu- 
tenants, 12 Ensigns, 92 Sergeants, 9 drummers, 25 officers' servants, 
740 rank and file. Total, 918. This said Moylan was " a rough 
but a just sketch as I can collect. I was unfortunately too late to 
share in the honours of the day, being catched in the storm and 
little imagining that any attempt would be made at such an inclement 
time. Our loss very inconsiderable. Six pieces of artillery, four 
standards, one thousand stand of arms were taken. If the whole 
plan could have been put into execution there is little doubt but the 
whole of the Hessians along the Delaware would have been done for. 

The spirited conduct of the whole who went over did not ex- 
ceed twenty-two hundred was great. You must remember what a 
morning yesterday was for men clad as ours are, to march nine 
miles to attack an enemy provided with every necessary and elated 
with a succession of advantages over our handful of men whom 
they were accustomed to see retreating before them. [Am. Ar., 
Vol. Ill, 1446.] 

THE BATTLE OF PRINCETON. 

But if Moylan " was too late" for Trenton he was on time for 
Princeton. How he must have conducted himself in that brilliant 
manoeuvre of Washington's is attested by his letter to Robert 
Morris. 



48 "America must be Free." 

AMERICA MUST BE FREE. 

How jubilant! How our hearts beat joyously as we read: 

Headquarters at Morristown, yih Jan'y, 1777. 

Dear Sir: — I thank you, my good friend, for your favor of 
the first. What a change in our affairs, since the date of that 
letter. Are you not all too happy? By Heavens, it was the best 
piece of generalship I ever heard or read of. An enemy, within 
musket-shot of us, determined and only waiting for daylight to 
make a vigorous attack. We stole a march, got to Princeton, 
defeated, and almost totally ruined three of the best Regiments in 
the British service ; made all their schemes upon Philadelphia, for 
this season, abortive ; put them in such a consternation, that if we 
only had five hundred fresh men, there is very little doubt but we 
should have destroyed all their stores and baggage, at Brunswick, 
of course oblige them to leave the Jerseys (this they must do), and 
probably have retaken poor Naso. What would our worthy Gen- 
eral have given for 500 of the fellows who were eating beef and 
pudding at Philadelphia that day? But let us not repine — it \yas 
glorious. The consequences must be great. America will — ^by 
God — it must be free, 

I never mentioned my desire to the General of engaging in 
the Cavalry. Your letter, I believe, gave him the first intimation. 
I put it into his hands to show your gift of divination. Pray how 
could you suppose, that our next blow must be at Princeton, but 
I recollect you did not then know we were attacked at Trenton. 
How your heart went pitipat, when that news reached you, and 
what an agreeable feeling you all must have had when you heard 
of their facing right about. But that feeling is very short of those 
which we all enjoyed when • pursuing the flying enemy. It is 
unutterable — inexpressible. I know I never felt so much like one 
of Homer's Deities before. We trod on air — it was a glorious day. 
Pray send us back those runaways that left us these some days 
past. We are really weak — strengthen our hands, and we will not 
leave an enemy out of gunshot from their ships. I will not tire 
you farther than telling you what I have often done, that I am 
sincerely, Sir, Yours. 

To Robert Morris, Esq. Stephen Moylan, 

[Pennsylvania, August 30, 1855; Reed's Pres't Reed, 2d Ed.] 



Moylan to Command Dragoons. 49 

'' Naso" meant General Charles Lee. He had been captured 
by his own connivance it is now suspected, as later actions seem 
to prove. 

Washington to Congress, 22d January, 1777: 

" Colonel Baylor, Colonel Moylan (who, as a volunteer, has 
remained constantly with the army since his discontinuance in the 
Quartermaster's Department) and Colonel Sheldon, command the 
three new regiments of light dragoons." [Sparks, IV, 293.] 

APPOINTED TO COMMAND CAVALRY REGIMENT. 

As we see by Molan's letter. Washington had, prior to January 
7, 1777, and probably in December, selected him to organize and 
command a regiment of cavalry. His commission, however, dated 
from January 8, 1777. On January 21st. Washington so informed 
the Congress, and Moylan was commissioned to recruit a Light 
Horse Regiment. He went to Philadelphia to seek recruits and 
select officers to do so in Maryland. 

On 2d February, 1777, writing to Washington, then at Morris- 
town, he said: 

" The 2000 Dollars which I received your warrants for, is 
dispersed amongst the officers some of whom have got the horses 
for their Troops, and make further demands upon me ; if you 
give me an order on the Committee of Congress for what I may 
have occasion, for the completeing the Regiment, it will save the 
trouble of warrants, & spare the military chest." 

MONEY TO MOYLAN. 

The Resolves of Congress relative to Moylan's Regiment may 
be summarized as follows : 

On February 6, 1777, Washington, at Morristown, wrote to 
the Committee of Congress requesting money for the recruiting 
of Moylan's Regiment. A copy of this request in the handwriting 
of John Fitzgerald, Washington's Aide-de-Camp and a fellow- 
Catholic with Moylan, is among Washington's Papers in the Library 
of Congress. 

February 26, 1777. Ordered $3000 to be paid " for the ser- 
vices of recruiting his Regiment." 

On April 8, 1777. Congress ordered two warrants of $12,000 
each to be issued in favor of Colonel Moylan. On May i6th an 
order for $10,000 more was ordered, and on May 30th $25,000 
additional was ordered. He was directed to lay before the Board 



/ 



50 Money to Moylan. 

of War an account of the expense of raising and equipping a 
troop of light horse. 

Colonel Moylan wrote General Washington, at Morristown, 
from Philadelphia, 14th April, 1777: 

" I had fixt on this day, for my setting out for Maryland, but 
the hostile appearances in this Bay are such, that I have given up 
the thought of going there, and have wrote to Major Washington 
to repair to Baltimore, and take the part of the Regiment raiseing 
under his command, I have recommended him to push them for- 
ward as soon as possible, which I dare say he will be as anxious 
in doing as I shall be. Considering the circumstances of not having 
a place to train either men or horses, during the bad weather, I 
have the pleasure to inform your Excellency, that the part of the 
Regiment here are pretty forward in their exercise. I have them 
out every day, and if the enemy will give us time to have them 
properly equipt, I flatter myself with the thought, that the Regi- 
ment will not disgrace our arms. Mr. Mease promised me the 
Regimentals of one of those that were taken, from the enemy. He 
now tells me, there have been so many applying that if I have not 
your sanction, he doubts much whether I shall be able to get it." 

THE RED REGIMENTALS. 

These "Regimentals that were taken from the enemy" caused 
consternation and alarm when worn by Moylan's troopers. So 
much so that General Washington was obliged to order the color 
to be changed, as he set forth very clearly in this letter : 

" Head Quarters, Morris Town, 12 May, 1777. 

" A party of your Regiment arrived here Yesterday with an 
escort of Money. Their appearance has convinced me fully of the 
danger which I always apprehended from the similarity of their 
Uniform to that of the British Horse, and the Officer who com- 
mands the party, tells me, that the people were exceedingly alarmed 
upon the Road, and had they been travelling thro a part of the 
country, where it might have been supposed the enemy's Horse 
would be foraging or scouting, they would in ail probability have 
been fired upon. The inconvenience will increase when your Regi- 
ment joins the Army. Your patroles will be in constant danger 
from our own scouting Parties and when ever there is occasion to 
dispatch a party into the country, they will alarm the Inhabitants. 

" I therefore desire that you will immediately fall upon means 



The Dragoons. 51 

for having the colour of the Coats changed, which may be done by- 
dipping into that kind of dye that is most proper to put upon Red. 
I care not what it is, so that the present colour be changed." 

In the campaign which followed, Moylan's Light Dragoons 
wore green coats trimmed with red, green cloaks with red capes, 
red waistcoats, buckskin breeches and leather caps trimmed with 
bear skin. [Mellick: Story of a Farm, p. 463.] 

" DRAGOONS." 

The title " Dragoons" which, now for the first time, we find 
applied to Colonel Moylan's Light Horse, and that, too, by General 
Washington, has been the subject of historical consideration as to 
its origin. Dr. H. C. Parry, U. S. A., in The United Service for 
August, 1 88 1, says, in speaking of the troopers in France during 
the time of Louis XIV. in 1685 : 

" We are justified in believing then the term Dragoon was 
derived from the cruelty and devastation caused by these troopers 
being compared to the pernicious qualities the dragon was sup- 
posed to possess and the evils he inflicted on mankind." 

The Light Horse Regiments at this time were Sheldon's (re- 
cruited in Connecticut), Baylor's, Moylan's and one in Virginia. 
All were to join Washington's Army at Morristown for the cam- 
paign of 1777. 

When the four were joined at Morristown a proposition to 
commission a General of Horse was considered by Congress. 

On May 24, 1777, Washington wrote Moylan, then in Phila- 
delphia, that if Congress left the appointment with him he would 
name [Thomas] Reed, who had lately been named as Brigadier- 
General by Congress. He requested Moylan to so inform Reed 
and to assure him of the pleasure he had had in learning of his 
appointment as Brigadier. [Ford, V, 389.] 

But Reed appears to have been made Paymaster-General. 

COURTS-MARTIAL. 

On May 21, 1777. General Schuyler laid before Congress the 
proceedings of a Court-Martial, held at Philadelphia on Monday 
and Tuesday, May 19th and 20th, on the trial of John' Brown, alias 
John Lee. signed by Stephen Moylan, President, wherein the Court 
determined : " That the prisoner is guilty of conducting five men 
to Brunswick; of holding a traitorous correspondence with the 
enemy, in offering himself as a pilot to General Howe, to conduct 



52 President of Courts^Martial. 

the British army from Brunswick to Philadelphia ; and also in 
promising to discover to the enemy to what place the continental 
stores, from Philadelphia, were removed ; and the Court found the 
prisoner guilty of a breach of the nineteenth section and were of 
the opinion that he should suffer death ; but, that from some cir- 
cumstances which appeared on his trial, the Court think proper to 
recommend him to the General as an object of mercy. 

" Ordered, that the said proceedings be referred to the Board 
of War; and that they enquire into the circumstances that induced 
the Court to recommend the criminal as an object of mercy and 
report to Congress." 

In Congress, May 23, 1777, the Board of War brought in a 
report which read: 

" That the Board have conversed with Colonel Moylan, the 
President of the Court-Martial held on John Brown, now under 
sentence of death as a Spy and Traitor and it appears from Colonel 
Moylan's Report, that previous to the sentence of the Court, after 
examination of witnesses, two of the members were sent to the 
criminal to endeavour to find out his accomplices. That he men- 
tioned several persons in Northampton County, in Pennsylvania, 
who appeared to be his Relations and connexions and whose names 
were ordered to be given to General Schuyler : but as to his case 
no particular circumstances of mitigation appear except such as 
are founded in the ignorance of the culprit. The reason for a 
motion in the Court-Martial for a recommendation to mercy was 
founded only on the criminal's apparent ignorance and illiteracy." 

MOVEMENTS OF THE ARMY. 

At this time, May-June, 1777, Washington was at Middle- 
brook, New Jersey ; General John Sullivan was at Rocky Hill and 
Moylan's Dragoons, recruited in Philadelphia and vicinity, covered 
the region round about Middlebrook, — at Woodbridge and Spank- 
town, 

In the morning of June 14th the enemy, said to have been 2000, 
advanced to Van Ests Mill and skirmished with Colonel Daniel 
Morgan's riflemen on their way towards Princeton, seemingly 
moving again towards Philadelphia, though this was a feint as the 
British later sailed southward from New York to the Head of Elk, 
Maryland, and came northward. 

Washington, on June 13th, sent Charles Thomson, Secretary 



A Quaker Physician. 53 

of Congress, the draft of a plan for the establishment of cavalry 
The next day he sent the Board of War " the establishment and 
pay of light dragoons." 

General Reed wrote Washington from Philadelphia, i8 June, 

1777, saying: 

" Colonel Moylan writes that he thinks my knowledge of the 
country and of the people would be of use in the quarter where he 
is. and presses me to come up, which I shall do immediately." 
[Cor. Rev., I. 389.]' 

Washington remained at Middlebrook until July 12th, when he 
established his headquarters at Pompton Plains, New Jersey, where 
Colonel Moylan wrote him as follows: 

MOYLAN SEEKS PROTECTION FOR A QUAKER PHYSICIAN. 

" Blands, I2th July, 1777. 
" I lodge in the house of a man who I verily believe has as 
good a heart as any man can have. I have had many opportunitys 
of enquireing into his character. He lays out at least one hundred 
pounds sterling p. annum amongst the poor of his neighborhood; 
he is a Phisyscian who receives no fees, he is the friend of the 
distress'd— this gentleman is by profifession a Quaker of course a 
peaceable man, he has relieved many of our Soldiers in their need, 
he has entertained our officers who all have a good opinion of 
him, it is true he has entertained General Howe & his officers, and 
I believe from the same principle, he has suffered by both armys. 
but not by the gentlemen of either army, he knows how far your 
name will influence even the common soldier engaged in our cause, 
and wishes for a protection under your hand. I have promised him 
that I would apply for it. and did not doubt that if your Excy. saw 
no impropriety in it. you would give my friend Ellas Bland a pro- 
tection for himself, familly & effects as far as you with consistency 
could do it." 

RATIONS FOR MOYLAn's MEN. 

The annexed requisitions for rations .show the strength of the 
companies commanded by Captains Dorsey. Hopkins and Plunket 
of Movlan's Regiment. 

Woodbridge [N. J.]. i6th July, 1777. Capt. Thos. Dorsey's 
troop of Col. St. Aloylan's Reg't drew 52 Rations for i Capt.. i 
Lieut.. I Cornet, i Quartermaster. 2 Sergeants, i Farrier, 2 



54 Moylan's Movements. 

Waggoners and 6 women, 30 Rank & file. Total 53 [Less] Re- 
tain 10 equals 43. Signed John Craig, L. [Light] Dragoons. 

July 16, 1777. Capt. David Hopkins, troop drew 55 rations. 

Capt. David Plunkett's Troop at Spanktown, July 16, 1777, 
drew 54 rations. 

[Original of above requisitions were in lot 931 of "Letters 
and Documents relating to Colonial and Revolutionary times." 
Sold at Davis & Harvey's, April 3, 1906.] 

MOYLAN REPORTS TO WASHINGTON. 

Colonel Moylan reported to Washington, who was " near 
/ Smith's Cove, New York," from Elisthtown, 21st July, 1777, that 

he had received orders to march to New Windsor, taking my route 
by Clone, which I understand is near ten miles round, however I 
will obey it except I meet contrary orders, I should have been 
further on the march had not an unlucky thought taken hold, last 
night, of nineteen of Craig's Troop, who set off from hence towards 
Philadelphia at twelve o'clock. Colonel White and the Major 
with two troops brought them back, after a very severe chase of 
upwards of forty miles. I believe they have not been well used in 
regard to pay, which they give as the reason of their proceeding 
towards Philadelphia in order to get a settlement. I shall not 
however trust them on horseback again, and when an opportunity 
of a Court-Martial offers, they shall be brought to trial. .The 
horses they rode, and the horses rode by their pursuers are so stiff 
that I cannot pretend to move them this day. I hope it will not be 
attended with any ill consequence as I am informed the enemy's 
fleet are falling down to the Hook. 

These deserters were tried, found guilty, sentenced to death 
but pardoned. 

He sent these reports to the General the next day from South 
Amboy, 23d July, 1777: 

I came over this morning early, to this place to observe the 
motions of the fleet. They set sail about five o'clock in the morn- 
ing and stood out to sea with the wind at N. N. West; they made 
so many tacks backwards & forwards that until noon I could not 
determine whether they realy meant to go out of the Hook or not ; 
they hauled their wind, after they got out as if going to the 
Northwd. but that may be to weather the Cape. Eleven sail of 
ships came thro the narrow and went to sea with the fleet. As 



March to Philadelphia. 55 

soon as I get to my Qrs. shall send this to Col. Dayton to forward 
to your Excellency, I have been delayed upwards of two hours for 
a boat, which is at the other side. 

The following day this report was sent from Amboy, 24 July: 

The Letter from General Forman & the other from my corre- 
spondent are just come to hand, I send them to your Excellency, 
who can form a juster opinion of their contents than I can pretend 
to do, the Letter for General Forman was immediately forwarded 
to him. 

At this time Moylan and Bland's commands were near Bound 
Brook. New Jersey. On July 25, 1777, Moylan wrote Bland: 

" The inclosed letter came just now to hand. I suppose its 
contents are orders to march for Philadelphia. My route will be 
through Princeton, crossing the Delaware at Trenton; yours will, 
I suppose, be to Corryell's Ferry, which will be the shortest, if you 
move by Trenton. Let me know, and if I reach before you, the 
"boats shall be in readiness to convey you across ; if you get before 
me you will please do the same for me." [Bland Papers, I, 61.] 

These reports, with others conformatory. led Washington to 
hasten forward to the southward all his forces. To Colonel Moylan 
-was sent these orders : 

ON TO PHILADELPHIA. 

Camp at Ramapough, July 25, 1777. 

The Enemy's fleet having left the Hook 

and gone to Sea, I am to request that you will immediately repair 
with your Regiment to the City of Philadelphia and put yourself 
•under the direction of the commanding officer there. You will not 
lose a moments time, and will order your baggage to follow under 
a proper Guard. 

In July, 1777, Washington, at Morristown. New Jersey, drafted 
a detailed route to be followed by the several divisions of the Con- 
tinental Army on the march southward from Morristown to protect 
Philadelphia from attack of Howe. The copy in handwriting of 
Moylan is preserved in the Washington Papers in Library of 
Congress : 

At this time Lieutenant-Colonel John Fitzgerald, a Catholic of 
Alexandria, Virginia, an Aide-de-Camp to Washington, sent by 
"Washington's order, directions to Major-General John Sullivan 
.(whose parents were Catholics and yet he declared the Catholic " a 



56 Orders to Moylan. 

cursed Religion") that the army would retrace its march to the 
Reading Road beyond the Trappe, a village twenty-five miles from 
Philadelphia and ordered him to move on a line between it and the 
Schuylkill where Generals Maxwell and Potter would join him 
and that he " notify Colonel Moylan to move in concert." 

ORDERS TO MOYLAN, 

On July 26th Washington was at Mr. Lott's at Ramapaugh, 
N. J., and in the handwriting of John Fitzgerald, sent Colonel 
Moylan this order: 

Shou'd this Letter come to hand before you pass Trenton, it 
is His Excellency's Orders that you halt there, either until you 
receive further Instructions from him, or till you have authentic 
advice that the Enemy have come into the Delaware Bay, in which 
case vou will govern yourself as before directed. If you have 
passed Trenton, your best mode will be to proceed to Bristol and 
there act as ordered at Trenton. 

Washington's movements. 

Washington kept on southward with his army. On July 31st 
he was at Coryell's Ferry, near Trenton. On August ist at Chester, 
Pa., where he received the news of the movement of the British 
fleet. He was in Philadelphia the next day where he remained 
directing affairs and consulting with Congress until the 5th. The 
next day he was at the Falls of Schuylkill where he remained until 
the loth, moving to Neshaminy, Bucks County, where the army 
encamped until the 23d at [now] Hartville. When receiving in- 
formation that the British fleet had arrived in the Chesapeake the 
army was started on the march southward to meet the enemy. 

While at the Neshaminy camp Courts-Martial, held on August 
7, 12, 16. of which Colonel Sheldon was President, tried ]\Ioylan's 
men and sent their verdict to Washington. 

Washington on August 19, 1777, approved of the sentences in 
the case of Edward Wilcox, Q. M. to Capt. Dorsey's Troop charged 
with taking a horse belonging to Colonel Moylan's Regiment, and 
a trooper with his accoutrements, found guilty and sentenced to 
be led around the Regiment he belongs to on horseback with his 
face towards the tail and his coat turned wrongside outwards and 
that he be then discharged from the army, 

Washington approved the sentence and ordered it to be put 
into execution immediately. [Safifel's Records, 331,] 



Trial of Deserters. 57 

TRIAL OF DESERTERS, 

On the case of the deserters Washington in General Orders 
announced : 

George Kilpatrick and Charles Martin, Sergeants; Lawrence 
Burne and Enoch Wells, Corporals; Daniel McCarty, Patrick 
Leland. Philip Franklin, Jacob Baker, Thomas Orles. Adam Rex, 
Frederick Gaines, Daniel Kainking, Christian Longspit, Henry 
Winer and Nicholas Walner, privates in Colonel Moylan's Regi- 
ment of Light Dragoons, charged with mutiny and desertion, and 
adjudged worthy of death— the Court esteeming the prisoners, 
except Sergeant Kilpatrick. objects of compassion, and as such, 
recommended them to the Commander-in-Chief, the General is 
pleased to grant them his pardon ; and the like reasons which led 
the court to recommend to mercy, joined with others, induces the 
General to grant this pardon to Sergeant Kilpatrick also. At the 
same time the prisoners are to consider their crimes are of a very 
atrocious nature, and have by the Articles of War subjected them- 
selves to the penalty of death. The remission of their punishment 
is a signal act of mercy in the Commander-in-Chief, and demands 
a very great and full return of fidelity, submission and obedience 
in any future military service which he shall assign them. The 
prisoners are to quit the Horse and enter into the foot-service, in 
the corps to which they shall be assigned. 

Thomas Farshiers and George House, of Colonel Moylan's 
Regiment, tried by the same Court, being charged with mutiny and 
des'ertion,' are found guilty, but some favourable circumstances 
appearing in their behalf, were sentenced to receive twenty-five 
lashes on their bare backs, and be dismissed from the horse-service ; 
the Commander-in-Chief approves the sentence, but for reasons 
above referred to. and with the like expectations of amendment, 
remits the penalty of whipping. They will be disposed of in the 
foot-service. 

Thomas Runnals. of Colonel Moylan's Regiment, tried by the 
same Court, being charged, is found guilty and sentenced to death ; 
the Commander-in-Chief approves of the sentence but the execution 
of the prisoner is respited till further orders. [Ibid, 332.] 
Washington's order to moylan. 
On August 7. 1777, Washington, at Roxboro. now part of 
Philadelphia'' City, by Colonel Timothy Pickering, sent this order 
to Colonel Alovlan: 



58 Army in Philadelphia. 

" To-morrow morning you would post careful officers with 
proper commands of men, on all the roads leading from any part 
of the camp to Philadelphia in such manner as to intercept every 
soldier who shall attempt to straggle from the camp towards Phila- 
delphia and all such stragglers are to be taken up, secured and 
brought on after the army. The whole army is to parade to- 
morrow morning at 5 o'clock and march as soon after as possible 
to a new encampment — about 9 miles back; but of this movement 
you will make no mention but to the officers whom you shall detach 
for the purpose aforesaid ; not to them till you deliver their orders 
when you send them off. The whole body of horse is to bring up 
the rear of the army for the business of picking up all stragglers." 
[AiiL His. Rec, II. p. 133.] 

Samuel Williamson, Chaplain of Moylan's Dragoons, in 
August, 1777, intending to go to Europe " to prosecute his studies," 
the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania on the 23d passed 
a recommendation of him " to the kindness and notice of all Civil 
and Military officers of States at peace with the country to which 
he may go." [Col. Rec, XII.] 

THE ARMY IN THILADELPHIA. 

On Sunday, August 24, 1777. Washington's army started at 
four o'clock in the morning from near Germantown and marched 
through Philadelphia, " going in and marching down Front Street 
to Chestnut and up Chestnut to the Common," now the site of the 
City Hall. It was on its way southward to meet Howe's forces 
coming northward from the eastern shore of Maryland. Wash- 
ington's design in marching through Philadelphia was " to have 
some influence on the minds of the disaffected and those who are 
dupes to their artifices and opinions." 

The cavalry (called the Horse) moved in two wings. Bland's 
and Baylor's Regiments on the right and Sheldon's and Moylan's 
on the left, 150 yards in the rear of General Maxwell's Brigade. 
Washington ordered " Not a woman belonging to the army is to 
"be seen with the troops on their march through the City." [Saffel's 
Records, 336.] 

Now-a-days it seems somewhat singular to note the many 
women attached to the British and American armies during the 
"Revolution — many wives accompanying their soldier-husbands. 
The well-known instance of Moll Pitcher illustrates the frequency 



Marching Southzcard. 59 

with which women " belonged to the army," as Washington 
stated it. 

The next day — 25th — the arniy of ten thousand crossed the 
Schuylkill River at the Market Street Ferry and that evening en- 
camped at Darby. The next day, Wilmington, Delaware, was 
reached. Here Washington, taking Moylan, Bland and Baylor's 
cavalry, reconnoitered the country and learned that the British had 
landed at Head of Elk River, Maryland, the day before. The first 
encounter between the opposing armies was on September 3d, 
when the British advanced against the American Light Horse 
Cavalry of Moylan and Sheldon but were obliged to retire. 

Washington, on September 6, 1777, in a General Order, stated: 

" From every information respecting the enemy's designs, and 
from their movements, it is manifest their aim is, if possible, to 
possess themselves of Philadelphia. This is their capital object. 
It is that they last year strove to effect, but were happily disap- 
pointed. They made a second attempt at the opening of this cam- 
paign, but after vast preparations and expense for the purpose, they 
abandoned their design and totally evacuated the Jerseys. They 
are now making their last effort. To come up the Delaware, it 
seems, was their first intention ; but from the measures taken to 
annoy them in the river, they judged the enterprise that way too 
hazardous. At length they landed on the eastern shore of Mary- 
land, some little way in the country, but the General thinks they 
will again be disappointed in their views. Should they push their 
designs on Philadelphia by this route, their all is at stake. They 
will put the contest on the event of a single battle. If they are 
overthrown they are utterly undone — the war is at an end. 

" Now is the time for our most strenuous exertions. One bold 
strike will free the land from rapine, devastations and burnings; 
and female innocence from brutal lust and violence." [Saifel, 336.] 

BATTLE OF BRANDYWINE. 

On September 11. 1777, the Battle of Brandywine was fought 
and, by the Americans, lost. They were unable to make that " one 
bold strike" which Washington believed would have prevented the 
capture of Philadelphia and have freed " the land from rapine, 
devastations and burnings." 

" The events of the day," declared Washington in a General 
Order issued at Germantown, on the 13th. " from some unfortunate 



6o Moylan Removes Stores. 

circumstances, were not so favorable as could be wished." Yet he 
had " full confidence that in another appeal to Heaven, with the 
blessing of Providence, which it becomes every officer and soldier 
to supplicate, we shall prove successful." So he ordered " thirty 
hogsheads of rum to be distributed"- among the soldiers for their 
" gallant behaviour and bravery" — " one gill a day while it lasts." 

" Though we gave the enemy the ground, the purchase has 
been at much blood — this being by far the greatest loss they ever 
met with since the commencement of the war," declared Washing- 
ton to his soldiers in praising their " firmness and alacrity upon 
every occasion in the course of the battle." [Ibid, 341.] 

The British at Brandywine were attacked by " the Light 
Troops" of General Maxwell's Division "who, after- a severe con- 
flict, retired." 

The principal disaster of the day happened where General 
Sullivan commanded. Congress recalled him to answer a Court of 
Inquiry relative to his action at Staten Island. Washington pro- 
tested against his recall at the juncture of afifairs. 

MOYLAN TO REMOVE MILITARY STORES. 

The duty assigned Moylan's Dragoons after Brandywine are 
indicated by the orders of Washington issued the same day — Sep- 
tember 13th — from Headquarters at the Falls of Schuylkill: 

" The removal of our Military Stores from French Creek is 
an object of great importance. For the purpose, a number of 
Waggons must be collected as soon as possible ; I therefore desire, 
that you will immediately detach Twenty Light Dragoons under an 
active Officer without a moments loss of time to assist Mr. Ritten- 
house at French Creek, in procuring such a quantity as he may 
judge necessary, and to render such other services as he (the 
Officer) may think material. You will instruct the Officer to pro- 
cure the Waggons in the least exceptionable manner. But they 
must be had without one instants delay. The Stores must be 
removed immediately or they may be destroyed." 

French Creek is in Chester County. The stream rises in Union 
Township, Berks County, and enters the Schuylkill River at 
Phoenixville. The Board of War, from March 25 to April 16, 
1777, sent military stores there, a report of which was sent Wash- 
ington on April 29th. After the Battle of Brandywine and the 



Philadelphia Taken. 6i- 

subsequent movements of both armies prior to the battle of Ger- 
mantown these stores were in danger from the British. 

From Germantown, 13th September, 1777, Moylan was ordered 
by Washington to " keep the main Body of the Horse at the 
Barracks upon Schuylkill; you will keep parties advanced towards 
the Enemy; move especially upon those Roads leading from 
Brandywine to the Sweed's Ford and the other Fords upon Schuyl- 
kill. Considering the distance that we now are from the Enemy, 
the security of the Army depends upon the Vigilance of your 
patrols. The reconnoitering Officers often take up a report of the 
situation of the Enemy from others and not from their own observa- 
tions. Impress the Gentlemen before they go out, with the im- 
portance of the Business upon which they are sent, and let them 
know that if any accident should happen to the Army from false 
intelligence they will be answerable. Your own Judgment will 
point out any other directions necessary to be given upon the 
occasion." 

PHILADELPHIA TAKEN. 

The defeat at Brandywine made the entry to " the Rebel 
Capital" possible whenever General Howe chose to do so. He 
took possession on September 26, 1777, being received with great 
joy by the Tories who remained in the City after the Patriots, not 
in the army, had hastily removed from the City to the country north- 
ward and westward. 

Though repulsed, Washington and his men were determined 
to continue active and unembarrassed. So to " share part in every 
hardship to which his army is exposed" he and his aides " divested 
themselves of all baggage save blankets." 

On September 14th a movement on Swedes' Ford was ordered, 
in which Moylan's Light Dragoons took part. 

At this time Washington's army was in a deplorable condition 
for want of shoes, stockings and other necessaries. He wrote 
Congress on September 23d urging prompt relief and saying, " at 
least one thousand men are barefooted" and had been marching 
over the hard roads in that condition. 

Moylan's daughter, Mrs. Lansdale, of Baltimore, related that 
after the Battle of Brandywine Colonel Moylan wrote to Robert 
Morris urging shoes and blankets for his men. This letter, how- 
ever, is not among Morris's Papers in the Library of Congress. 



62 Battle of Germantown. 

THE BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN. 

Though arranging to give battle, Washington, on October 3d, 
sent, under flag of truce, to General Howe his dog which had 
wandered into Washington's camp. It wore a collar with Howe's 
name on. The next morning, October 4, 1777, Washington made 
an attack upon the British at Germantown. Though his men 
showed " spirit and bravery in driving the enemy from field to 
field, an unfortunate fog, joined with the smoke prevented the 
diflferent brigades from seeing and supporting one another . . . 
and some other causes which as yet." Washington in General Order 
to his Army said, "cannot be accounted for, they finally retreated ; 
they nevertheless see that the enemy is not proof against a vigorous 
attack and may be put to flight when boldly pushed. This they 
will remember and assure themselves that on the next occasion a 
proper exertion of the powers God has given them, and inspired 
by the cause of freedom in which they are engaged, they will be 
victorious." 

They really had the British whipped but did not know it. Then 
two days later, Washington ordered : " Buckshot shall be put into 
all cartridges that shall be made hereafter." 

The following day he announced that " the troops fled from 
victory," but " nevertheless he has the satisfaction that the enemy 
suffered very severely." 

But the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga on the 7th com- 
pensated for the non-success at Germantown. 

COURTS-MARTIAL. 

On October 16, 1777, a Court-Martial of Horse Officers of 
which Colonel Moylan was President was held at his quarters for 
the trial of all prisoners of the Horse. 

A week later — on October 24th — Colonel Moylan was himself 
on trial before a Court-Martial held at Upper Dublin, of which 
Colonel Bland was President. Moylan was charged with dis- 
obedience of orders of General Pulaski ; with " a cowardly and 
ungentleman like action" in striking Mr. Fulinskl, a gentleman and 
an officer in the Polish service, when disarmed and putting him 
under guard and giving irritating language to General Pulaski. 

The Court " were of the opinion that Colonel Moylan was not 
guilty and therefore acquit of the charge against him." Washington 
approved on the verdict on the 31st. [Weedon's Orderly Book.] 



Clothing for Moylan's Men. 63 

The controversy, however, did not end with Colonel Moylan's 
acquittal. In December Lieutenant Fulinski [Zelinski] " unhorsed" 
Colonel Moylan. General Pulaski, on the 4th, reported the assault 
to Washington and sent the letter by the dragoon who had wit- 
nessed the affair. [Ms. Sabin, 2:22:98; D. & H.] 

Captain Craig of Moylan's Regiment with his party of horse 
took several British Dragoons and several soldiers with their horses, 
arms and accoutrements. Washington, on November 9, 1777, 
issued order desiring " Captain Craig, Captain Lee and the other 
officers who have distinguished themselves to accept his cordial 
thanks for the enterprise, spirit and bravery they have exhibited in 
harrassing and making captives of the enemy." [Weedon, p. 123.] 

The orders and reports given show, to some extent, the opera- 
tions of Colonel Moylan's Continental Dragoons. 

CLOTHING FOR MOYLAn's MEN. 

The value of Moylan's cavalry in this campaign is best proven 
by Washington's declaration to General Heath, made while at 
Valley Forge, that there had been " so many advantages from 
cavalry in the course of this campaign that I am determined to 
augment them as much as possible and against the next." 

Desiring that Moylan's men might " take the field in a respect- 
able manner," he sent " Captain Hopkins of Moylan's Light 
Dragoons to Boston to procure clothing and accoutrements for the 
Regiment against the ensuing campaign," and informed General 
Heath that " the Captain will send the articles he may get either 
made up or not as he finds most advantageous to the Regiment." 
[Mass. His. Soc. Col, 5th Series, IV, p. 81.] 

General Heath, at Boston, on April 7, 1778, issued Pay War- 
rant " for accoutrements for Colonel Moylan's Regiment of Light 
Dragoons, which General Heath, by the desire of General Wash- 
ington, is to furnish." [M5.] 

We cannot follow the movements of Washington's Army and 
the consequent manoeuvres of Moylan's Dragoons, until they settled 
in camp at Valley Forge, where they suffered the distress that has 
become known to all. 

DOES NOT AGREE WITH WASHINGTON. 

While there proposals for " procuring horses and saddles" were 
referred to Colonel Moylan by Washington, to whom this reply 
was sent: 



64 Moylan does not Agree zvith Washington. 

Camp, 24th February, 1778. 

Agreeable to your commands, I have with attention perused 
the proposals for procuring Horses and Sadies for the Cavalry — 
as you was pleased to desire that I would give you my sentiments 
thereon, I must beg leave to tell you that I totally disaprove of the 
measure. It is arbitrary and cannot be attended with the success 
expected from it. The mode proposed for putting it in execution 
must counteract its intentions — for however facile it may appear in 
theory, for an officer to go into a district to find out the disaffected 
who have got horses, I believe when it is put in practice, it will be 
found impossible to keep his business a secret. His attempting to 
purchase their best horses and saddles at a reasonable price will 
give the alarm, every man will put his horse out of the way or 
perhaps move him off to the enemy so that when the time appointed 
for seizing them comes, few or none will be found, the ill conse- 
quences of a very arbitrary act will remain and no good effects 
accrue from it. 

If notwithstanding you should think proper to put the plan in 
execution, I will order the officers of my Regiment upon that duty, 
tho I am very certain that they would much rather be ordered to 
charge a superior number of the enemy than go upon this disagree- 
able service. Indeed it is that sort of duty that in my opinion the 
Cavalry should be exempt from. They should conciliate the minds 
of the inhabitants, not exasperate them, as that corps is more imme^ 
diately in their power than any other ; they must be out in small 
parties, and depend upon them in a great measure for their security. 
It may be said that those persons from whom horses are intended 
to be taken are such, from whom no friendship may be expected, 
but I apprehend that there is a great difference between those 
Tories made so through fear, and those who are actuated by resent- 
ment, the former will not act against us, the latter will. 

Why not, Sir, call upon each State for a quota of horses, as 
well as of men, and an officer or any other person appointed who is 
a proper judge, to receive the horses. A plan of Rendezvous should 
be appointed to which the Recruits of Men and Horses should 
repair with the riding masters of each Regiment, under the care of 
experienced officers, in order to exercise and form them for the 
field. When perfect, to be sent to their respective Regiments. This 
I think, Sir, would be the most effective and most eligible method 
of mounting the Cavalry. 



Moylan Commands all Cavalry. 65 

V MOYLAN COMMANDS ALL THE CAVALRY. 

Up to this time there had been five regular cavalry commands 
—Baylor's, Bland's, Sheldon's, Pulaski's and Moylan's. 

March 20, 1778, Washington, on the resignation of Count 
Pulaski, placed all the cavalry under command of Moylan, as 
appears by the following order : 

As Count Pulaski has left the command of the Horse, never, 
I believe, to return to any general command in it again, I have to 
desire that you will repair to Trenton and take upon yourself the 
command of that Corps, till Congress shall determine further on 
this head. 

You will use your utmost endeavours to have the Cavalry 
belonging to the four Regiments (now in New Jersey) put in the 
best order possible, that they may take the field with some degree 
of eclat. Not a moment's time shoald be lost in repairing the 
Saddles and the other accoutrements; and getting the Troopers' 
Arms completed and repaired. In a word, the Season calls for the 
utmost vigilance and without descending to the minutia, I shall in 
general require that you will use your utmost skill and industry 
to equip in the most economical manner your own Regiment, and 
cause the others to do the likes. 

Inclosed are orders to the commanding Officers of these Regi- 
ments to obey you. You must immediately send a relief for the 
party near the Enemy's lines in Philadelphia County. It is to 
consist of IMen of approved attachment commanded by active, 
vigilant Officers. 

GENERAL PULASKL 

Pulaski "left the command of the Horse" to organize an 
independent corps, "The Pulaski Legion," in command of which 
he did good service until his death at the siege of Savannah where, 
on October 9. 1779, he received a wound from which he died two 
days later. On Januar>^ 8, 1855, a monument was dedicated in 
that city to his memory. History relates that Pulaski was " a 
devout Roman Catholic," wrote William P. Bowen, Sr., in the 
Savannah Morning News on January 9, 1855. 

Count Casimir Pulaski had been appointed Brigadier-General, 
September 5, 1777. 

To Colonels Bland and Baylor the same day the General sent 

the order: 



66 General Pulaski. 

"Valley Forge, 20th March, 1778: As Count Pulaski will I 
believe quit the command of the cavalry and is now absent from 
that corps and at York, you are to receive your orders from Col. 
Moylan. I expect the officers of your Regiment will remain con- 
stantly with the men and use every possible means to train and 
discipline them." 

On March 25, 1778, from Valley Forge, directing that the 
cavalry be quartered at Iveham [Evesham] and Springfield back 
of Mount Holly as " very commodious places," so as to get the 
horses in good condition for the opening of the campaign. 

Moylan, it is probable, pastured the horses as Washington 
advised and thus could operate in that section of New Jersey as 
opportunity offered and occasion required. 

Washington, April 3d, ordered Moylan to send a Corporal and 
six dragoons to escort our Commissioners to arrange an exchange 
of prisoners. They must be picked men and horses so as to make 
the best possible appearance and be very trusty and very intelligent 
— put the cavalry on the best footing you can. 

He advised Moylan of a " certain Mr. Bankson, late 'of the 
Continental Marines," whom he suspected as a spy of the British, 
" though he offered himself as one to us"—" find out his true his- 
tory" — any thing " that may throw light upon his designs." Man- 
age the business with caution and address. 

The Commissioners for the exchange of prisoners met at Ger- 
mantown the next day — April 4th. The British Commissioners 
were Colonels Charles O'Hara, Humphrey Stephens and Captain 
Richard Fitzpatrick. The American Commissioners were Colonel 
Wm. Grayson, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert H. Harrison, Alexander 
Hamilton and Commissary Elias Boudinot. The Commissioners 
met at Newtown, Pa., on April loth and nth for conference. 

Washington's orders. 
Washington's orders to Moylan were as follows: 
On April 9th. Brigadier-General Count Pulaski is hereby au- 
thorized to draught from each Regiment of Horse, two privates of 
his own choice, with their horses, arms and accoutrements, and one 
sergeant belonging to Sheldon's Regiment. 

VEXATION OF WASHINGTON. 

On the 14th Washington wrote the " Commanding Officer" of 
Sheldon's Regiment expressing his " astonishment and vexation at 



Washington's Orders to Moylan. 67 

the low condition of your Horse, which had been permitted to 
retire to the best quarters offered for the purpose of recruiting 
them— yet the officers by galloping about the country and by neglect 
of the horses had reduced them to a worse condition than those 
which had been kept on duty the whole winter. How you can 
reconcile this conduct to your feelings as an officer and answer 
it to your country I know not." [Ford, V, 315.] 

NEGLIGENT OFFICERS. 

On April 11, 1778, from Valley Forge, Washington wrote to 
Moylan : 

Your return of the Cavalry is realy vexatious, but what can be 
expected when the Officers prefer their own ease and emolument 
to the good of their Country or to the care and attention which 
they are in duty bound to pay to the particular Corps they com- 
mand. In every Service but ours, the Winter is spent in endeavour- 
ing to make preparations for the ensuing Campaign. 

I desire you will make strict inquiry into the conduct of every 
Officer present and find out whether those absent have gone upon 
furlough regularly obtained. And if it appears that they have been 
negligent in point of duty or are absent without leave, arrest and 
have them brought to trial ; for I am determined to make examples 
of those to whom this shameful neglect of the Cavalry has been 
owing. If there has been any deficiency on the part of the Com- 
missary of Forage, let the commanding Officer of Sheldon's make 
it appear in his own justification. 

ARMS AND HORSES. 

On April 29th, Washington to Moylan: 

I am as much at a loss as you can possibly be how to procure 
Arms for the Cavalry, there are 107 Carbines in Camp but no 
Swords or Pistols of any consequence. General Knox informs me 
that the iioo Carbines which came into the Eastward and were 
said to be fit for Horsemen were only a lighter kind of musket. 
I believe Colonels Baylor and Bland have procured Swords from 
Hunter's Manufactor}^ in Virginia, but I do not think it will be 
possible to get a sufficient number of Pistols, except they are im- 
ported on purpose. I long ago urged to Congress the necessity of 
importing a large quantity of Horse Accoutrements from France, 
but whether the order was ever given or whether they have mis- 
carried in the passage, I do not know. 



68 Moylan's Movements. 

To this Moylan replied : 

moylan's move on bordentown. 

Trenton, 5th Ma)-, 1778. 

I am exceedingly sorry to find there is so bad a prospect of 
arming the Cavalry, if the 107 carbines which are in Camp were 
ordered to this post they would be of some service. I have wrote 
some time past, to Major Washington, requesting him to procure 
swords from Hunter's Manufactory, which I hope he will be able 
to effect. 

I have seen but five horses of those purchased by this State. 
They were sent to Major Clough who rejected them as unfit for the 
service, I am told there are some tolerable good ones, delivered to 
the Regiments at Chatham, Brunswick, and Pennington ; I propose 
visiting them this week, and expect from the late accounts I have 
from each, to make a more favorable report of them than my last, 
to your Excellency. 

Major Clough went yesterday, by my order, with a party of 
Horse to Bordentown in consequence of the inclosed Letter which 
I since find was dictated more by the fears of the writers than any 
real cause for being alarmed. It is true that five or six hundred 
of the enemy are on this side near Cooper's Ferry covering some 
woodcutters and hunting for Forage. 

I expect the Major back to-morrow and propose ordering that 
Regiment to Princeton, as Forage is there collecting, and becoming 
exceeding scarce in this Quarter. Any Commands your Excellency 
may have for me after this week, you will please to have directed 
to that place. 

MOYLAN reports CAPTURES AND DISASTER. 

Moylan to Washington from Trenton, 7th May, 1778: 
Major Clough reported that the 63d & 55th Regiments 
[British] are stationed as guards to a fatigue party of 200 men 
who are employed cutting wood. The fatigue is daily relieved. 
Their lines are covered by three small redoubts without cannon. 
He reconnoitr'd their picket which was strongly posted, sent two 
of the Militia horse in sight of their lines, which as he expected 
brought out twelve of the enemies Light Horse, on whom he 
charged — two of them were wounded, and dismounted, and two 
others made prisoners not far from their picket, the four prisoners 
and three horses with their accoutrements are now here and the 



Moylan Reports Coptitrcs. 69 

Major wishes that the men (who behav'd with the greatest resoki- 
tion) could soon receive the value of their priezs, as an encourage- 
ment to them at the opening of the campaign. The horses are fit 
for the Regt. and he thinks $100 each will be a moderate price for 
them. Col. Shreve is at Fostertown in the neighborhood of the 
enemy, but not strong enough to disturb them, General Dickinson 
tells me he can draw out four or five thousand men to cooperate 
in any plan which your Excellency may form. If we could make 
good a post at Billingsport, it would alarm the enemy exceedingly. 

8th May, 1778. 
It is nine at night, and am just returned. Sir, from Borden- 
town, which the enemy left about two hours ago. As near as I 
could judge there were about 1000 landed there, having previously 
burnt the Frigates and several ships which were up a creek near 
that town. I have since seen them rowing up the Pensilvania shore 
inside of Rules Island. There are three Gallies and thirty-six boats 
full of British Light Infantry. Mr. Borden's house and two small 
ones in the town were laid in ashes. It is probable they will 
come up here this night. General Dickinson has collected about 
200 Militia and is in expectation of a larger number coming in 
to-morrow, he has all the assistance our horse can give him. If 
they land at this place I will order Bland's Regt. to join us in the 
morning, at which time I will send this to your Excellency, with 
any occurrencies that may happen this night. 

The 9th. The enemy lay last night on the Pensilvania side 
about four miles from the Ferry, I am of opinion that they mean 
to collect the stock & Grain at that side, and not come any farther 
up the river. 

This destructive force of the British was sent from Philadel- 
phia under command of Major Maitland. Twenty or more armed 
vessels were burned, including Captain John Barry's frigate " The 
Effingham." Barry at the time was operating in the lower Dela- 
ware. He destroyed the forage from Mantua Creek to Port Penn 
and captured several supply vessels, for which he received the 
thanks of Washington to whom he forwarded supplies at Valley 
Forge. It was in retaliation for these acts of Barry that Maitland 
was sent to destroy the vessels of the Americans, which had been 
sent up the Delaware to White Hill near to Bordentown for 
security. 



"JO British Destroy SJiippiiig. 

Washington replied on May 13th to Moylan's of the 5th: 

If the Commissioners of the Navy could have been prevailed 
upon by me to have scutled and sunk the Frigates last fall, the 
Enemy would have had little inducement to have visited Borden- 
town. It would have taken so much labour and time to have raised 
them that a force might haye been sent to interrupt them. Upon 
the first intimation of the design I detached General Maxwell with 
a strong party, but the mischief was done and the Enemy gone by 
the time he reached the Cross Roads. Present my thanks to Major 
Clough and his small party for their bravery. The price formerly 
paid the Captors of a Light Horse with his accoutrements was 100 
Dollars ; but as money has depreciated, the Rule has been in some 
instances deviated from. Colo. Morgan's Riflemen some time ago 
took two teams of very capital Horses going into Philadelphia, 
they were paid 170 Dollars pr. Horse and at that rate, I have 
estimated those taken by Major Clough. Inclosed you have a 
warrant for 510 Dollars payable to the Major which he will please 
to distribute to the party according to their rank. 

I do not know whether the Carbines that are here are in proper 
order. I will have the matter inquired into, and if they are, inform 
you, that you may send over a Waggon and a small escort for them. 

You mentioned in a letter of the 23d April that you understood 
some members of Congress were dissatisfied with the determination 
of Rank between Cols. Bland, Baylor, Sheldon and Yourself; if 
it is so, I have never heard any thing of it from any person but 
yourself. 

Moylan was the Commander of the four Regiments of Horse. 
Ten days later he notified Washington that if called into action he 
would not serve as commander of a Regiment but rather as a 
Volunteer. 

MOYLAN SENDS A SPY INTO PHILADELPHIA. 

Moylan reported to Washington from Trenton, 13th May: 
The late excursion of the enemy prevented my leaving this 
place, to visit the different Regiments, which I shall put in execu- 
tion the latter end of this week. 

I sent a woman into Philadelphia last Sunday who came out 
this day, she says that war was certainly declared against France, 
that General Clinton had taken the command on Monday, General 
Howe preparing to go home, but is to give a Grand Fete Champetre 



Moylan " Sends a Spy." yi 

'before his departure, that there was great talk of the Troops em- 
barking, the Transports were taking in wood and water, indeed 
their burning the shipping looks like a move, for if they could hold 
their present post the ships would consequently fall into their 
hands. She heard nothing of the Hessians having laid down their 
arms, which was strongly reported here. 

I would not trouble your Excellency with a complaint against 
the commissary, if I knew who was at the head of that Department, 
to whom I might address myself, but the great neglect of providing 
.anything (flour excepted) for Bland's and Baylor's Regiments call 
aloud for redress. They have lived upon salt fish and salt herrings 
these five weeks past, which is now expended, and nothing have 
they now but flour to live upon. The issuing commissary says it is 
the purchaser's fault, but who or where the purchaser is I cannot 
find out. Mr. Paxton says if he had money he could purchase 
sufficient. Between them the men are suffering. They have had no 
pay since October, which with the want of provisions has produced 
much discontent amongst them. How it is with the other two 
Regiments I cannot say, but hope they are better off as to pro- 
visions. Respecting pay I believe they are in the same situation, 
which I hope will not continue long, if it does I may dread the 
consequence, I beg. Sir, that the carbines and what other arms are 
at Camp for the Cavalry may be sent forward, they are exceedingly 
wanted. 

I have seen General Dickinson who has had some conversa- 
tion with Mr. Yard, who left Philadelphia yesterday. He confirms 
what I had from my informant except that there was no positive 
account of war having been declared but was to have been two 
.days after the last packet left England. 

A FORWARD MOVEMENT. 

John Laurens. Aide to Washington, on May 17, 1778, wrote 
'Moylan : 

His Excellency desires that a select party of fifty dragoons, 
men that may be depended on, with able Horses, well accoutred 
and conducted by active partisan Officers, may be ordered to march 
forthwith to our old camp at Whitemarsh, where they will meet 
and join a detachment of Infantry, from the Commanding Officer 
• of which thev will receive their Orders. 



^2 A Forzcard Movement. 

Moylan to Washington: 

Trenton, 23d May, 1778. 

I delivered to Major Clough the Warrant for 510 Dollars with 
your Excellency's thanks to him and his party for their bravery, 
agreeable to your orders and complied with the orders contained 
in Col. Lauren's Letter of the 17th as soon as it was possible after 
the receipt. It reached me at Brunswick the 19th in the afternoon, 
and as the first and third Regts. were most contiguous to the Dela- 
ware, I ordered the detachment from them. I mean to relieve them 
to-morrow by sending an equal number of the second and fourth,. 
I must continue Major Clough there for some time longer not 
only because I have an high opinion of his conduct but also that 
he can be better spared than either of the other two field officers 
that are with the Brigade. I did expect we should have had more 
of them, join'd to their Regts. before this time. I have the pleasure 
to tell you. Sir. that the horses in general are in good order. There 
are some in each Regiment that never will be, and I am certain 
it would be saving a good deal of publick money to have them 
disposed of. The sooner it is done the better. 

I have ordered the whole of the horses brought up by ]Mr. 
Grey to be delivered over to the third Regiment as they have many 
men dismounted, there are spare horses sufficient in the 4th to 
mount the men he brought with him. 

My information respecting the Rank of the officers in the 
Cavalry was hinted to me by General Reed, and the reason for 
mentioning it was, that should an alteration be made therein to my 
prejudice, at a time when we may be call'd forth to action, tho I 
certainly should act as a volunteer, I would not as commanding 
officer of a Regiment. 

Washington to Moylan, Valley Forge. 24th May, 1778: 
The Commissar}' General of Forage has informed me that he 
can now accommodate the Cavalry in the Neighborhood of the 
Camp. I therefore desire that you will immediately come over with 
all the Horse of your own, Bland's and Baylor's Regiments that 
are in good order ; Sheldon's is to remain at Chatham. Good' 
Officers are to be left with the Horses out of condition, who ought 
rather to attend to getting them in order, than to training them. 
The weather is growing warm, and it is hardly possible to do both- 
at a time. The three Regiments had better come on in three- 



Washington and Moylan. 73 

divisions, at the interval of a day or two, they may then be can- 
toned with ease, and not be distressed for Forage by coming in 
in a crowd. 

On 28th Washington to Moylan: 

As every appearance now indicates a move of the Enemy 
thro Jersey, I would wish you to continue there until their inten- 
tions are more clearly and fully known. If you can subsist the 
men and Horses at and near Trenton, they will be more con- 
veniently situated there than at any other place, to be ready to- 
observe the Route of the Enemy, and therefore I would have you 
collect all that are fit for Service as near that place as possible. 

General Greene informs me that he apprehends a number of 
Horses purchased by the agents in this State are unfit for the 
Dragoon Service, and he would therefore wish to have two or 
three Officers who are good judges of Horses go round and ex- 
amine them, that those fit may be sent to the Regiment and the 
others put to the Draught. Be pleased therefore to send over such 
Officers and General Greene will direct them where to proceed. 
I would have you by all means sell those Horses that will never be 
fit for service again. 

Washington's order to " sell all the horses unfit for service" 
was carried out by Moylan, who by Brigade order dated June ist, 
advertised in the Nezv Jersey Gazette of the 3d : " That the cast 
horses belonging to the first, third and fourth Regiments of Light 
Dragoons be collected at Trenton and sold by publick sale on Mon- 
day the 8th inst. at the Market Place." 

Moylan to Washington from Trenton, 30th May, 1778: 
I had just got as far as White Marsh in compliance with your 
Excellency's order of the 24th when I received your Letter of the 
28th countermanding that order. I have in consequence halted the 
3d & 4th Regiments, who were on their march to Camp. The 
first had proceeded so far, that I thought it best to know your 
further pleasure before I would give them the order to return. 
I must beg leave to mention that the arms of these three Regi- 
ments are at present in the hands of the detachment with Major 
Clough, so that it is of little consequence where they are stationed. 
I will however draw them to this quarter, and depend^ upon those 
arms being sent forward which Major Jameson assures me are 
finished in Virginia & Maryland. 

The party under the command of Major Clough consists of 



74 Moylan and Washington. 

I20 horse, if your Excellency thinks proper to keep so large a 
body upon that duty, I think it will be better to order what remains 
here fit for duty of the first & third Regts. to join it, and let what 
are with the Major of the 2d & 4th join their respective Regiments. 
It will be attended with salutary consequences to have the duty 
performed Regimentally, both the officers and the men will be 
better pleased. The former in commanding his own men, the latter 
in being commanded by their own officers. The Horses by being 
under the eye of their own officers will be better taken care of. 
If you approve of it, I will give the orders for putting it into 
execution. 

To which Washington replied June ist: 

I am not a little surprised that the arms of Three Regiments 
should be reduced to 120. I would wish to have this matter in- 
quired into, and that the Officers of the different Corps send in a 
return, accounting for so considerable a defection. 

As it is probable the Enemy will penetrate the Jerseys I think 
you had better continue where you are, putting your Cavalry in the 
best condition for acting which your circumstances will admit of. 

Moylan to Washington, Trenton, 2d June, 1778: 

Lieutenant-Colonel White informed me that there was a large 
quantity of flour in a store at Brunswick designed for the prison- 
ers, which lays exposed to the mercy of the enemy. The shalop 
which was employed to carry it to New York is also full, having 
been sent back with her cargo. The commanding officer declaring 
that no intercourse whatsoever will be admitted, until General 
Winds delivers up a deserter from one of the Jersey Battalions, who 
came out under the sanction of a flag. 

On June loth Washington ordered Moylan: 

" You will immediately assemble all the Cavalry not on duty 
at some place the most convenient to Camp, where forage is to be 
had, there to hold themselves in readiness to move on the shortest 
notice." 

On June i8th the British evacuated Philadelphia. Washing- 
ton moved from Valley Forge to intercept them, which he did ten 
■days later at Monmouth, New Jersey. Captain Heard, of Moylan's 
Regiment, stationed at Germantown, on June 18th captured a num- 
ber of the enemy and reported to General Washington : 

The in [closed] is a return of prisoner [s] taken by Capt. Heard 
[ ] as delivered them to the care of Lt. Dover belonging 



Moylan and Washington. 75 

Capt. McCanes detachment. I have not been able to collect any 
Matheriall intellegence from them. {Washington MSS., Vol VI.] 

Among the captured was " George Sprangle a noted Spie." 
This was George Spangler. He was executed on August 14th on 
the Commons, now the site of the City Hall, for " acting as spy 
and guide to the British army." 

Moylan's reports to Washington, Trenton, 23d June, 1778: 

General Reed was down with me in view of the enemy. He 
can therefore inform you of every thing material, I have ordered 
Colonel White with a Squadron of Horse into the rear of the 
enemy, whose van I believe to be at this time in Allentown. He 
will keep me constantly advised of what passes in the rear, and the 
remainder of the Horse will be engaged on their front & left flank. 
You may depend on having the earliest inteligence of their motions, 
that I can from my own observations & of the officers under me 
collect. 

To General Lee, Moylan reported from on the Middletown 
road five miles from the courthouse: 

The enemy turned off at Carnans fields to the Shrewsburg 
road. There is a place called the falls about 6 miles from Carnans, 
where there is another road to Middletown. Should they choose 
to go that route I believe they will halt at the falls, as it is advan- 
tageous ground. If they do you will hear soon from me. 

To " Baron Steuben or any General officer in the American 
Service," Moylan reported from Toponamos Church, 27th June, 
1778: 

A rascal who was trumpet Major to the first Regimt. deserted 
to the enemy last evening which obliged me to move off my party 
from Longstreets on the hill from whence the Baron wrote yester- 
day. I left an officer and four of the best mounted, who were 
obligd to retire from a large party of the enemies light horse at 
day break this morng. I met them here, and they are of opinion 
that the enemy were then in motion, I have sent a party to the same 
place, and another to the Shrewsburg and Middletown roads from 
whom I expect to hear in an hour. I am just going upon the same 
rout, with horses almost wore down. I wish some of White's 
party were sent to me otherwise I shall not be able to do anything 
satisfactory. When I can be certain of this rout I will dispatch a 
horseman with the inteligence. 



76 Moylan and Washington. 

To Washington he reported from Longstreets, 27th June, 
1778 [11 A.M.] : 

Every thing looks in the same situation as yesterday ; at Free- 
hold, we took three prisoners whom I send to your Excellency, they 
say it is the opinion which prevails in their Camp, that they will 
march to-morrow morning for So. Amboy, I saw a man yesterday 
from Middletown point, who says there were no vessels of any 
consequence in the Bay, that there was no collection of boats at 
Princes Bay. I expect an officer in soon from the Shrewsburg 
road, allso the great Midleton, there is one road to the later place 
which passes near to the post I now write from. . 

To Washington from Scotch Meetinghouse, 27th June, 1778: 

I am just come from Longstreet's hill. I sent an officer since 
sunset close in to the lines and from his report, with my own 
observation there was no appearance of a movement, I sent an 
officer on the Middleton & Shrewsburg roads, who makes the same 
report. I will be out before the sun, & if anything new you will 
hear from me. 

At " ^ past two, Sunday," Moylan reported : 

At twelve o'clock the enemy were halted at Polhemos hill 
which is on what is calld the fifteen hundred acres. They are now 
again in motion & seem to bend their course towards Middletown, 
thoro bye woods which were not suspected to be passable, but 
there are so many intersections in the roads that it is impossible to 
judge whether they will go to Middletown or go on to the falls, I 
have them full in view, and must move as a party is endeavoring 
to surround me. 

Within an hour the Battle of Monmouth was being fought and 
a victory won by Washington. The treachery of General Charles 
Lee came near making the day one of disaster for the Americans. 
He was Court-Martialed and suspended. It is now believed he was 
a traitor for having arranged the plan for the capture of Philadel- 
phia while a prisoner in New York. 

James McHenry, Secretary to Washington, wrote to his friend, 
George Lux of Baltimore, that after the Battle of Monmouth, 
" Colonel Moylan's dragoons are still hanging on the enemy and 
waiting to see them safelv a-ship board." [Mag. Am. History, 

in, 357-] 

Moylan to Washington, 29th June, 1778: 

Within three miles of Middletown we attacked a party of the 



Moylan and Washington. yj 

enemy this morning and took one Captain, one Lieut, and one 
Ensign with two privates, prisoners, & killed a few more. The 
British Army is expected at that place this day or to-morrow ; 
quarters are taken for Gen. Clinton at Midletown, and for Lord 
Cornwallis at the place where we made the attack, which I suppose 
will be the rear of their army. The baggage is still where it last 
night halted, badly guarded. I wish there was infantry in this 
Quarter, a great stroke might still be made upon it. 

An hour later he again reported : 

Captain Plunket will deliver to your Excellency the prisoners 
mentioned in the note I sent you about one hour ago, I since find 
that General Clinton's Qrs. are taken at the place where the prison- 
ers were taken. I am informed that there were fifty horses taken in 
the engagement yesterday, I wish it may be true, as I could imme- 
diately bring as many men into the field with good fresh horses 
provided I can [get] the arms and accoutrements. 

He reported on 2d July, 1778: 

I have sent orders to the different parties that are now out to 
come in this evening ; they ought to have at least a fortnight's rest 
before they begin to march and if your Excellency would approve 
of it I would recommend Shrewsburg and its environs for that 
purpose. It is inhabited by the disaffected who as I am informd 
have large quantities of grain and the pasture there is exceeding 
fine. The enemy are now four miles from Midletown, I expect 
they will be embarked to-morrow or next day; Morgan's & Gist's 
men with the parties of Horse, have saved a fine country from 
being pilaged. 

Colonel Daniel Morgan writing to Washington, 2d July, 1778, 
from Middletown, N. J., said : 

" I am and have been ever since I came out, at a great loss for 
light horse, having none with me. Gen. Scott sent me a Sergeant 
and six whose horses were tired and rather an incumbrance as they 
could scarcely raise a gallop. Major Jameson was here yesterday. 
I applied to him for a few; he sent Captain Harrison who staid 
with me about 2 hours, when Colonel Moylan sent for him and his 
party. Colonel Moylan certainly has reasons for so doing, but. 
Sir. you know the cavalry are the eyes of the infantry, and with- 
out any, my situation must not be very pleasing, being in full view 
of the enemy's whole army." [Corres. Rev., 11, p. 153.] 

On July 5, 1778, Washington's order by Colonel Clement 



78 Moylan and Washington. 

Biddle from Camp at New Brunswick to Moylan at Bound Brook 
was : " If the cavalry should halt to refresh themselves I am of 
opinion they can be best furnished with hay and pasture on the 
plain below the Mountain from Middlebrook to the Scotch Plains 
and I now write to Mr. Furman to use his utmost endeavors to 
procure grain suitable for them. Some corn is already ordered 
from Trenton which Mr. Furnan shall detain for you. You will 
please to inform him the route you will take when you march or 
rather before that he may lodge the necessary forage at proper 
places." 

On the 7th Washington ordered: 

'' That you collect the whole of the cavalry without delay, as 
well the unarmed as the armed, and after a little refreshment, and 
getting the horses shod, &c., proceed moderately towards the North 
River to join the Army. 

Major John Jameson writing Colonel Bland from Bound 
Brook, New Jersey, July 9, 1778, after the Battle of Monmouth, 
said : " Our men are so naked that it is a shame to bring them into 
the field; pray send some officer with clothes for the poor fellows. 
. . . Colonel Moylan has appointed a Brigade Major as com- 
mandant of the cavalry." [Bland Papers, I, 97.] 

Washington, replying to a later letter of Bland's, said : 

" The officers who had the care of procuring necessaries for 
Moylan and Sheldon's Regiments have long since completed the 
business and the men are well equipped." [Ihid, 98.] 

On the i6th July Washington's order from Haverstraw was: 

" That you proceed immediately with the horse under your 
command to Orange Town where you will find Capt. Hopkins who 
has instructions for the Cavalry." 

MOYLAN AND MISS VAN HORN. 

To this Moylan replied: 

Tapan, 23d July, 1778, 

Your orders of the i6th reached me the 19th instant, and 
agreeable thereto I have marchd the three Regiments of horse to 
this place. 

I have seen your Excellency's instructions to Captain Hopkins 
to which I will pay due attention. The English neighborhood, 
would be a good place for the Cavalry. If they are to stay any 



Miss Van Home. 79 

time on this side the river, I shall expect further orders from your 
Excellency by the bearer. 

PS. — Am engag'd to Miss Vanhorn. 

Moylan's postscript shows that, amidst war's alarms and deso- 
lation. Cupid's arrows struck two hearts with but a single thought. 
" Miss Vanhorn" was one of the five daughters of Philip Van 
Home, a Colonial Colonel of New Jersey Militia. 

Moylan, " the fascination of whose merry nature and fine 
appearance, the latter enhanced by his red waist coat, buckskin 
breeches, bright green coat and bear skin hat, were too great for 
the Middlebrook beauty to withstand." [Mellick's Story of Old 
Farm, p. 480.] 

In consequence of the army wintering at Middlebrook the five 
daughters of the Colonel of the Colonial Militia found husbands. 
[Mag. Am. His., 1890. 153.] 

But Colonel Moylan had other engagements than that with 
Miss Van Home of which he had informed General Washington 
who in his reply tendered no " congratulations." He was occu- 
pied with more important matters than those of his ofBcers' matri- 
monial engagements. 

He wrote Moylan from White Plains, 25th July. 1778: 

I think the best position for the Cavalry to answer the pur- 
pose of foraging and covering the country will be about Hacken- 
sack New Bridge. You then have an opportunity of drawing sup- 
plies from the Country between the North River and Hackensack, 
and Hackensack and Pasaic as your station will be central. You 
will therefore be ready to move at a moment's warning. 

To which Moylan made reply: 

Orange Town, 26th July, 1778. 

I propose to move what horse are fit for duty to the New 
bridge to-morrow agreeable to your orders and shall endeavor to 
fulfill the duty recommended therein. 

Whenever your Excellency will order us over you will find the 
Cavalry ready to obey your commands. 

On the 29th Moylan, from " Hackensac." wrote Washington 
that he had " come with the Cavalry to this neighborhood. On my 
arrival I reconoitred the country and found a great majority dis- 
affected and taking every opportunity of supplying the enemy. 



8o A Raid on Bergen Farms. 

Yesterday I sent a party of 80 horse to Bergen with orders to drive 
up what cattle they could collect from that town, to the point, which 
they have effected by bringing with them near 300 head of horned 
cattle, 60 sheep, some horses, mares & colts. Many of the first are 
milch cows, and tho its certain that the milch & butter is for the 
chief part sent to New York from that Quarter, there appears a 
great degree of cruelty in taking from a number of famillys, per- 
haps their only support. I am teased by the women, and with 
difficulty can prevail on my feelings, to suspend my giving to them 
their cows, until! I have your Excellency's opinion and orders on 
the subject — this manavre has alarmd the City, Powles Hook & 
the encampment on Staten Island. The Fort was manned. So 
was the Redout at Powleshook, and the army at Staten Island 
turned out, to the amount, as near as could be judged by Major 
Clough (who commanded the party) of 3000, tho their encamp- 
ment would promise 5000. 

" I have just come in from Fort Lee. The heights from 
Harlem up to Kingsbridge are interspersd with Tents, the chief 
encampment on York Island seems to me to be at Fort Washington, 
Those immediately about the Fort are Hessians. There is a pretty 
large encampment on your side of Spiten Devil Creek — and a 
redout with a magazine in its center — one ship pretty near on a 
line with Col. Morris' horse, another with three small craft near 
the entrance of the above mentioned creek, are all the vessels in 
the North River that I could discover at 12 o'clock this day. A 
report prevails of a French & Spanish fleet being at the Hook. It 
is believed at Bergen, which your Excellency knows is but four 
miles from New York." 

To which Washington replied from White Plains, 30th July: 

I approve of the step you took to drive off the Stock from 
Bergen, but if it appears to you that the families will be distressed 
by keeping their milch cattle, you have liberty to restore them to 
such persons and in such numbers as you think proper. 

I desire you will come over with all the Cavalry except about 
twenty-four, who are to act in concert with the detachment of foot. 
If that number appears too few, you may increase it to any as far 
as fifty. Colo. Simcoe told Capt. Sargent (who went down with 
a flag yesterday) that Admiral Byron was Arrived. Be pleased to 
endeavour to find out the truth of this. 



Moylan's Rank. 8i 

MOYLAN THE RANKING COLONEL. 

The annexed document shows that Colonel Moylan was the 
ranking officer of the Dragoons: 

Thus the dispute as to relative rank was settled by the Field 
Officers as Washington suggested to Moylan, April ii, 1778. 

An Extract from General Orders of August 7. 1778: 

The Rank of the Field Officers of the four Regiments of light 
Dragoons having been settled by a Board of Genl. Officers at White 
March on the 24th of November last. The Officers are to Rank 
in the following Manner agreeable to the Report of the Board: 
Cols. Lieut.-Cols. Majors 

1. Moylan White Washington 

2. Baylor Byrd Jameson 

3. Bland Temple Clough 

4. Sheldon Blackden Talmage 

The above is a true Copy of the genl. Orders of August 7, 1778. 

S. Moylan, Col. C. L. D. 
[Letters of Washington, 152, Vol. VI. p. 379.] 

MARRIAGE OF MOYLAN. 

The Pennsyh'ania Post of October 7, 1778, announced in letter 
from " Trenton, September 30th" : 

" On Saturday, the twelfth inst., was married at Phill's Hill 
by the Rev. Mr. Beach, Stephen Moylan, Esq., Col. Commandant' 
of the American Light Dragoons, to Miss Mary Ricketts Van 
Home, eldest daughter of Col. Van Home; a lady possessed of 
every accomplishment to render the married state happy," 

Colonel Van Home lived at Phil's Hill on Middlebrook stream 
a mile west of Bound Brook. He had been Colonel of a New 
Jersey Militia Regiment under the English government. Wash- 
ington regarded him as a suspicious character. On January i, 
1777. Washington wrote to Colonel Reed: "I wish you had 
brought Van Home ofT with you, for from his noted character 
there is no dependence to be placed on his parole." 

On January 19th he wrote: "Wouldn't it be best to order 
P. Van Home to Brunswick? These people, in my opinion, can 
do less injury there than anywhere else." 

Or was this another Van Home? 



82 Descendants of Moylan. 

Captain Graydon in his Memoirs relates that on his release 
from captivity in New York he stopped at Van Home's who, not- 
withstanding Washington's desire to have him at Brunswick, " kept 
his post at Bound Brook where he alternately entertained the 
officers of both armies being visited by one and sometimes the 
other. His hospitality ought certainly to have been recompensed 
by an unlimited credit on the public stores. His house, used as a 
hotel, seemed constantly full. Notwithstanding the number of 
guests that were provided for, there appeared no deficiency in 
accommodation and we supped and lodged well." 

Simcoe's Queen's Rangers in October, 1778, went to Bound 
Brook intending to capture Moylan at Van Home's but he was 
not there. [Journal, p. 114.] 

The children of Colonel Stephen Moylan were a still-born 
child, March, 1780, at Middletown, Connecticut; two daughters, 
Maria and Elizabeth Catharine and an infant interred in St. Mary's 
graveyard, Philadelphia, February 24, 1795. 

Maria was baptized at St. Mary's, Philadelphia, March 5, 1786. 
Thomas FitzSimons and wife and John and Jasper Moylan and 
Isabella Masse [or Wasse] were sponsors. She married Samuel 
Fox. They had children, viz: Elizabeth Moylan Fox, b. 1806, died 
unmarried. Mary Moylan Fox. b. 1808 ; m., 1832. Henry D. Bird, 
of Virginia. Stephen Moylan Fox, b. 1810; m., 1838, Louisa Lin- 
ton. Margaret Fox, b. 1812; m., 1839, Dr. Tarleton B. Amberson. 
Anna Fox, b. 1815, d. 1816. Philip Lansdale Fox, b. 1817; m., 
1845, Elizabeth DePui. Violetta Lansdale Fox, b. 1819; m., 1842, 
David M. Courtney. Edward Fox, b. 1821, d. 1862; m., about 
1844, Sophia (?). 

Moylan's daughter Elizabeth Catharine was married on March 
ID, 1807, by Rt. Rev. William White, Episcopal Bishop of Penn- 
sylvania, to William Moylan Lansdale, her first cousin. His father, 
Major Thomas L. Lansdale, had married Cornelia Van Home. 

They had four children: Philip, Medical Director U. S. N. 
Maria married John W. Hornor ; Cornelia, married Maskell Ewing, 
of Havre de Grace, Maryland. She died in Philadelphia January 
31st, 1906, aged 86 years, leaving surviving her two sons and two 
daughters : J. Hunter Ewing, of the banking house of Townsend, 
Whelan & Co. ; Maskell Ewing of the firm of Ewing & Longacre ; 
Mrs. Louisa B. Gallatin of New York and Miss Cornelia L. Ewing 
of Philadelphia. Caroline married Edmund B. DuVal. All of these 



The Marriage of Moylan. 83 

left descendants, but none of General Moylan's children or later 
descendants professed his Faith. His daughter Elizabeth Cath- 
arine's four children had seventeen children. 

On September 12, 1778, the marriage day of Colonel Moylan, 
General Washington was at White Plains, New York, where he 
had been encamped from July 24th. 

Nothing appears on records at hand to show the newly mar- 
ried Colonel's military operations until Colonel Richard H, Meade, 
one of Washington's Aides, writing from Fredericksburg, N. J., 
on November 2, 1778, to Moylan, said: 

The bearer, Mr. Simeon Newel, is the Gentleman who con- 
tracted with Capt. Hopkins to supply many different Articles for 
the use of your Regiment. He has found some difficulty in the 
settlement of his accounts, to remedy which he has laid the matter 
before His Excellency, by whom I am directed to request that you 
will take the necessary steps in order that the matter may be accom- 
plished according to right. Mr. Newel seems to have taken every 
precaution, and to have complied with Capt. Hopkins's directions. 
It will be proper to call on the Capt. when it is hoped the matter 
will be settled without much difficulty. 

" THE HAPPY EVENT." 

General Stirling, October 8, 1778, from New Brunswick, to 
Colonel Moylan at Phill's Hill : 

" I have just seen Col. Van Horn's letter of yesterday to 
General Maxwell enquiring the situation of the enemy in this 
State. They are at present stretched from the New Bridge above 
Hackensack across towards Fort Lee with two redoubts on the 
heights on this side the bridge ; their strength is about 7000 of 
their best British troops ; on the 5th they advanced to within about 
three miles of this place but in the evening retired to their present 
situation. I believe they have nearly completed their forage and 
will soon quit this State. 

" I most sincerely congratulate you on the late happy event of 
your new connection with the most amiable of Ladies. I beg to 
present my sincere respects and best wishes for your mutual happi- 
ness and my best compliments to all the family." 

Moylan's command was quartered at Lancaster, Pa., when 
Washington sent this order : 



84 Ordered to Connecticut. 

ORDERS TO MARCH TO CONNECTICUT. 

You will forthwith proceed to Durham, between New Haven 
and Hartford in the State of Connecticut, with your Regiment of 
Cavalry, where you are to fix your quarters for the Winter. 

In quartering the Regiment at Durham you will preserve as 
much compactness as the nature of the place will admit, that by 
having them all under your own Eye, you may be able to keep up 
good discipline, and prevent dissipation and irregularity. 

It is not designed that the Regiment should do ordinary duty, 
or be called out upon every common occasion. But in case if in- 
vasion, or the advance of the Enemy, you are to obey the orders 
of General Putnam, and assist in giving them every opposition. 

BRITISH ARMY REPORTS MADE KNOWN TO WASHINGTON, 

It was, probably, while at Durham that the " circumstance" 
herewith related took place: 

Jones' History of Neiv York during the Revolution, Vol. II, 
p. 210, relates "a circumstance told me by a gentleman who was 
a prisoner in Connecticut during the winter of 1779. Stephen 
Moylan Esq., who commanded a Regiment of norse in the rebel 
service and was quartered in the same town, in an evening's con- 
versation told the gentleman that not a return of the number and 
state of the British army at New York had been made to General 
Clinton for the last two years, but that General Washington received 
a copy of it in twenty-four, or at most, in forty-eight hours after 
its delivery to the Commander-in-Chief." 

At Durham Moylan's Dragoons were quartered all winter and 
the spring of 1779. General Washington, on June 28th, sent from 
New Windsor these instructions : 

moylan's COMMAND INCREASED. 

When you have crossed the North River with your Regiment 
you will proceed to the neighborhood of Bedford [N. Y.], where 
Col. Sheldon's Horse and a few light infantry are stationed, these 
you will take under your command. The purpose of this command 
are to protect the country and inhabitants, give confidence to the 
militia, and as far as it lies in your power, gain intelligence of the 
Enemy's force, movements and designs of which you will give me 
the most punctual information. 

I leave it to your own Judgment, from an examination of the 



Destruction of Norzvalk. ■ 85 

country, and according to the circumstances, to take a position 
that will best answer these purposes, consistent with the security 
and accommodation of your Troops. 

Col. Armand's Corps I propose ordering down, who will also 
be under your command. 

The uniform worn in this campaign is described : Short green 
jackets, red waistcoats ["the green above the red"], buckskin 
breeches and leather caps trimmed with bear skin. [Am. His. Reg., 

IV, 502.] 

Washington, from New Windsor, New York, on July 10, 
1779, notified General Heath, "the enemy in considerable force 
was moving by land towards Horse Neck, with artillery and 
wagons, and a detachment sent out from New Haven gone to Fair- 
field, burnt the town, reimbarked and were ofif Norwalk where tis 
imagined they will land and destroy that place and the two bodies 
join to ravage and distress the country. You will march to-morrow 
morning as early as possible. You will direct Colonel Moylan with 
the Cavalry and infantry under his command to join you at such 
place as vou mav think proper." [Mass. His. Soc. Col., 5 S., 

IV, 109.]' 

Washington wrote Moylan from New Wmdsor, July 10. 1779: 
The Person you mention is employed by me. I place a good 
deal of confidence in him. though he is obliged in order to answer 
our purposes, to appear friendly to the enemy. I thank you for 
the intelligence you communicate. The ravages of the enemy par- 
ticularly at this Season, are distressing; but our situation makes 
it impossible to prevent them. Armand's Corps has been directed 
to join you. 

DESTRUCTION OF NORWALK. 

Colonel Moylan to Washington from Wilton. 12th July, 1779: 
The day on which I last addressed myself to your Excellency 
General Parsons ordered the Infantry which were under my com- 
mand at Bedford, to march to Norwalk; finding my small party 
of Horse would be of little consequence in that quarter I march'd 
•them also to Norwalk where I arrived yesterday morning just at 
the time the enemy had made their landing good— an engagement 
very soon commenced, and a vast deal of ammunition wasted, to 
very little purpose, as in general our militia kept at awfull distance. 
The few men, 150 in number, of the Infantry behaved exceeding 



86 Destruction of Norwalk. 

well, maintaind their post with the greatest bravery. They were 
deserted by the militia and order'd to withdraw, which they did 
without the least appearance of confusion. The town was shortly 
in ashes and now remains a monument of British barbarity — they 
reimbarked under cover of the smoke, which was right in our faces 
and I suppose Stamford will next feel the cruel effects of their rage. 
It was a ■ fortunate circumstance for me that I kept my Qrs. on 
Saturday evening, for four hundred of the enemies horse came up 
to Bedford the next morning and as I am informd burnt it. They 
did not proceed further as they probably were informd of my 
departure. 

I order'd Colonel White who commanded the Horse which 
were watching the army near Rye to join me at this place which 
he effected last evening. Mr. Gill a Lt. in my Regiment took four 
of the enemy prisoners, one is so badly wounded that I believe he 
cannot recover. He had some conversation with Sir Harry Clinton 
without knowing who he was, until told by the prisoners one of 
whom I should inform your Excelency is of that Corps who receive 
no pay, but are supported by plundering the inhabitants. I wish 
he had been cut down, but I believe he will meet with his deserts, 
as I intend to send him to Governor Clinton to whom I find he is 
well known. Both Regiments are now very much fatigued. I 
will keep as many with me as are best able to bear the hardships 
of this rough country and send the remainder to some place where 
they can rest in some kind of security, which I assure you Sir is 
difficult in any place near Bedford without a body of Infantry to 
support them. The enemy being so vastly superior to us in Cavalry. 
My reason for staying here is to give countenance to the militia, 
who seem to place some confidence in me by doing my duty yester- 
day. I am very confident that General Clinton's movement to Rye 
and that Quarter was intended to draw your army or part thereof 
away from the Fort which I have little doubt is the main object 
with him of this Campaign. A Letter from General Heath men- 
tioning his advance towards Bedford with a Division of the Army. 
He orders me to move forward with the Cavalry and Infantry 
under my Command to join him at Hoits. I am sorry to quit this 
neighborhood where I know I should be of some service in keeping 
the militia together, but his orders shall be obeyed. 

Colonel Moylan sent this report to Washington from Ridge 
Field. July 21. 1779: 



Joins General Glover. 87 

I am again detached from the left wing of the army, having 
left 40 horses at Peekskill and its neighborhood under the command 
of Capt. Hopkins in order to watch the enemies motions, and pro- 
cure inteligence from that Quarter. As I am without Infantry I 
cannot venture lower down, with the horse. Indeed the marching 
and countermarching we have had since I left Norwalk has left 
but few fit for duty. After they have a little rest I propose sending 
out small parties to gain inteligence, which is all that can be ex- 
pected from our numbers compared with the enemies Cavalry. I 
sent a flag in last Saturday by an inteligent officer, who I had not 
seen until this morning. He assures me that the main body of the 
enemies Infantry had not marched on Sunday as he could plainly 
discover that they lay at the west side of the bridge leading in to 
East Chester, about fifteen hundred with five hundred horse were 
marchd to Newbridge over Groton. These Troops came to raise 
the siege of Verplank's point and considering the besiegers situation 
it was forunate they did not push their march. There is no acct. 
from Armand's Corps, General Heath promised to send me 150 
Infantry. If it could be made up 200, it would be little enough 
for the Duty they will have to go thoro'. If your Excellency thinks 
it proper to order them on I shall be enabled to move on to Bedford 
as soon as they may arrive. 

At this time the enemy were " advancing into Connecticut. 
No troops but the militia there to oppose them," wrote General 
Parsons to General Glover, loth July, 1779. Grover moved his 
forces and arrived at Ridgefield on 22d where on 23d he received 
orders from Washington to *' halt until further orders." Moylan 
was ordered to join him. Washington was then at West Point, 
New York. On the same day (24th) he ordered General Heath, 
at Mandeville, " to order Colonel Moylan to collect his horse and 
join General Glover under whose command he will be for the 
present." [Mass., 5, IV, 114.] 

General Glover had left Providence on July 7th to join Wash- 
ington. On i6th Washington ordered Heath, at Canaan, to 
" March to-morrow morning towards Peekskill," where he would 
find General Howe with a couple of brigades — " the command of the 
whole will devolve on you. Send to hasten on Glover's brigade to 
join you at the same place." Heath was to follow Howe's instruc- 
tions which were to open a battery on the enemy at Verplank's 
Point — which were to be one of the four brigades should be sta- 



88 Secret Service Money. 

tioned in the gorge of the mountains and the other three proceed- 
to the highlands opposite West Point. On July 19th Heath was 
ordered to direct Glover to halt with his brigade at Ridgefield until 
he is further instructed. 

On July 30th Heath reported to Washington an action of Cap- 
tain Hopkins of Moylan's Cavalry which caused Washington, the 
same day, to write Heath: " Capt. Hopkins' conduct really de- 
serves applause and shows spirit of interprise that does Him honor." 

On August I, 1779, Washington, then at West Point, New 
York, wrote Moylan: 

General Howe has gone to Ridgefield, to take the command of 
Glover's Brigade, and all the Troops in that Quarter, and will make 
such dispositions of them as may appear best. I am sorry it is not 
in my power to send you any hard money. I have but little and it is 
more particularly intended for Persons within the enemy's lines. 
If you will make out a return of your dismounted Men. and the 
necessary Arms and accoutrements, I will send for them. I will 
direct them to be supplied. 

On the 6th he wrote he had received Moylan's of the 3d " and 
am persuaded you had made a good disposition of the Troops under' 
your command. I believe there has been no embarkation of the 
Enemy, except for the Marines, on board the Ships said to be gone 
in pursuit of our armed Vessels, on the expedition to Penobscot." 

Mrs. Moylan was ill at her father's at Bound Brook, New 
Jersey. Moylan applied to Washington for furlough and received 
this reply: 

SECRET SERVICE MONEY. 

Mrs. Moylan's illness will readily obtain my consent to your 
being absent from the army a fortnight provided a movement of 
the enemy should not require your presence sooner. General Howe 
should be made acquainted with your absence. The Sum you 
speak of, as having expended for secret Service, surprises me ex- 
ceedingly, because I do not call to mind ever having empowered 
you to lay out Money for such purposes nor do I recollect ever to 
have received any intelligence, of an extraordinary nature, differing" 
in any respect from that which every Officer at an advanced Post, 
or removed from the main army, regularly obtained (by his own 
observation and industry, or from the Inhabitants), transmitted to- 
Head Ouarters, and because the Sum exceeds the aggregate of the 



Moylan's Reply. 89 

charges of all the other Officers of the line, for Services of this 
kind, although some of them have been appointed for, and have 
attended particularly to this business. Under these circumstances 
and as a public Officer, my duty obliges me to call for such an 
account, as will justify my conduct, in ordering payment. 

moylan's word his voucher. 

To this Moylan replied: 

Greenwich, 13th August, 1779. 

Accept my most grateful thanks for your kind permission to 
pay a visit to Mrs. Moylan. I will, you may be assured Sir not 
lose time from my duty, which I assure you no officer in the army 
is fonder of doing than I am. As to the expence of Intelligence I 
give you my word and my honor I have been rather under, than 
over, in what I mentioned to your Excellency in my last. This, or 
rather Poudridge post, has been the most expensive as I promised 
a man who had been four times within Kingsbridge to make his 
Dollars Silver, and he says and I believe the last bills I gave him, 
which were two, one of 65 & one of 45 Dollars, he got but at the 
rate of 12 for one — as General Howe is at present in this place and 
will take every opportunity of gaining intelligence, I have not 
occasion to interfere in that department. At the same time I must 
remark to your Excellency that I had positively your orders, when 
I [was] with you at Middlebrook, to lay out money to gain intelli- 
gence, and when I had the honor to receive your commands of 
taking the command of the cavalry in the Jersey in 1778 I asked 
you whether I should try to gain inteligence. Your answer was 
" yes by all means," which made me fix my Qrs. at Trenton. In- 
deed the expence for information at that post was very trifleing, 
but if your Excellency will reccollect what I sent you from Amboy 
and in that neighborhood, you will see that it must have come from 
persons I employed within the City. I mean persons I sent in — to 
New York — the countermarch of the army from the Clove in that 
year I realy thought was occasiond by the information I had given 
to your Excellency. 

If my word is not a sufficient voucher to the public. I assure 
your Excellency I will not nor cannot give any other, and if I even 
do get what I laid out I do not think, from the depreciation of the 
money that I shall be paid half what in justice I am entitled to. 
The freedom with which I write to your Excellency I dare say 



go Re-enlisting. 

from my knowledge of you, you will pardon, for you may be 
assured it does not arise from presumption. I know your heart, it 
is a great, a good one, and amongst your admirers there is no one 
who can subscribe himself with more propriety, your assured friend 
and affectionate Humble Sert. than 

Stephen Moylan. 

General Arthur St. Clair, writing to President Reed of Penn- 
sylvania from West Point, August 24, 1779, said: 

In Conversation with Col. Moylan yesterday, his Regiment 
came upon the Cappet. A Resolve of Congress seems to have had 
in view that the Regiments of Horse that have been raised in par- 
ticular States should be considered as part of their Quota in the 
Continental Army. He would be very happy to find himself in that 
situation ; and tho' the officers have not all been taken from Penn- 
sylvania, the Men were, I believe, all raised there. I will be obliged 
to you if you will please to communicate your Sentiments on that 
head. 

RE-ENLISTED MEN TO BE NATIVES. 

Washington to Moylan from West Point, 24th September, 
1779: 

The return of Clothing necessary for your regiment, should 
be made, by you, without delay, to the Board of War, who will 
give you information where, to whom you are to apply. 

If any of your present men, whose time of service will shortly 
expire, will re-inlist for the war, they will be entitled to a bounty 
of 200 dollars and ten dollars to the Officer re-inlisting them. If 
you find any in the above predicament, willing to re-inlist, you 
can send over for a sum of money for that purpose. Colonel 
Sheldon had liberty to endeavour to inlist as many new recruits, 
as would compleat his regiment to the establishment, provided they 
could be obtained upon the terms of serving with the regiment, as 
dismounted Dragoons, until there should be a necessity or con- 
veniency of mounting them. This to be clearly expressed in the 
inlistment, that the men may have no pretext for complaint on 
being made to serve on foot. They were also to be inlisted for the 
War, and no temporary engagements entered into, on any account 
whatever. The bounty to new recruits to be 200 dollars and 20 
dollars to the recruiting Officer. These men must be natives, of 
good character, and every way suitable for dragoons. If you are 



Instructions from West Point. 91 

of opinion that you can obtain men upon the foregoing terms, you 
may draw money and try the experiment. 

On September 30, 1779, John Pierce, Deputy Paymaster- 
General, " paid Patrick Bennett for recruiting the 4th Regiment of 
Light Dragoons to be accounted for by Colonel Moylan, $5,000." 
Washington the next day wrote Moylan from West Point: 

" I have given Mr. Bennet a Warrant for 5000 dollars for 
recruiting, which sum he will deliver to you. The state of the 
military chest will not allow of a larger sum at this time, but you 
may have more when this is expended." 

Moylan to Washington from North Castle, November 5, 1779: 

I have received Coats and Waistcoats for the 4th Regiment, 
and am just now informed by Captain Hunter of Bedford that he 
has as many pairs of Leather breeches of the best quality as will 
cloath the Regiment which he will part with, if your Excelly. will 
be pleased to give me an order. I will purchass them from him 
on the best terms I can — if I have your approbation for procureing 
the breeches and an order for shirts, stockings & boots — the men 
will be enabled to keep the field and I am convinced, will do as 
much duty if not more, than any equal number of men in the 
service. 

On November 20, 1779, Washington wrote Governor Trum- 
bull of Connecticut that he would " station New Hampshire troops 
at Danbury and Moylan and Sheldon's Regiments to east of that." 
[Mass. His. Soc. Col, X, 148.] 

Washington to Moylan from West Point, 27th November, 
1779: "You will find in the inclosed instructions the place for the 
cantonment of the Cavalry and the limitations for furloughing both 
Officers and Men." 

The Instructions read: 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

As soon as the division under the command of Major-General 
Howe moves to its ground for Winter Quarters, you will proceed 
with your own and Sheldon's Regiment of Dragoons, to such pkce 
or places as the Quarter Master General may have assigned you 
for Winter Quarters. This may be in Wallingford, Durham or 
Hadham, as conveniences and Forage may best suit, or in case of 
necessity you may remove the whole or part to Colchester. In the 
cantonment of the regiment, you will preserve as much compact- 



92 Washington to Moylan. 

ness as the nature of the place will admit, that by having them all 
under your own eye, you may be able to keep up good discipline, 
and prevent dissipation and irregularity. 

It is not designed that the regiment should do ordinary duty, 
or be called out upon every common occasion. But in case of 
invasion, or the advances of the enemy you are to obey the Orders 
of General Poor, or other your superior officer commanding at this 
post and assist in giving them every opposition. 

Washington moved into winter quarters at Morristown, New 
Jersey, where Moylan, on December 15th and i6th, wrote him 
relative to quartering the cavalry. Mr. Hubbard declaring the 
location unsuitable, and Moylan that it would well provide for the 
wants. However, on December 20th, Washington informed 
Moylan : 

On a representation of Mr. Hubbard, that the difficulty of 
obtaining forage and other supplies for the two regiments of Dra- 
goons at Middletown and Weathersfield, would be very difficult 
and productive of an enormous expense, I am to desire you will 
remove them to Colchester, where a Magazine of Forage is laid in, 
and a sufficient quantity of Stable room can be provided, 

Washington, replying to Moylan's of 15th and i6th from 
Morristown on Christmas Day, 1779, said: 

I am extremely sorry that the question of quartering the 
cavalry stands upon so very disagreeable a footing between Mr. 
Hubbard and yourself. But there are reasons which will not 
suffer me to retract the order contained in mine of the 20th. 
Though I doubt not the cavalry may be well provided and accom- 
modated at the places you wish, yet I prefer Colchester, because 
large Magazines are already formed there and other preparations 
made. I am told too, all your Wood, where you now are, must 
be brought several miles at an enormous expense; at any rate 
fresh purchases of forage must be made, which in the present ex- 
hausted state of the treasury is scarcely practicable ; or if prac- 
ticable, unadvisable. You will therefore remove to Colchester, 

I wish to receive from you, by the earliest opportunity, a 
Return of the Officers and Men in your Regiment who belong to 
the State of Virginia. You will mention the names and rank of 
the first, the number of the latter will do, in which you will note 
how many of them engaged for the War and to what other periods 
the rest stand engaged. 



Moylan's Loyalty. 93 

" NOT MY BUSINESS TO DISPUTE." 

To which Moylan replied from Middletown, 4th January, 1780: 

I have ordered Sheldon's Regiment on from Weathersfield to 
Colchester. The 4th is at Walingsford where they will remain a 
few days in order to give Mr. Hubbard time to make some prepara- 
tion for their reception which you will see by the inclosed report is 
necessary — the representation made to you. Sir, were not founded 
on facts, but it is not my business to dispute, but to obey your 
orders which I shall put in execution as soon as possible — you will 
receive by this conveyance returns of the two Regiments for last 
month, and you may be assured of my transmitting them monthly 
agreeable to your orders. You have also a return of the officers 
and men belonging to the 4th Regiment who are from the State of 
Virginia. The weather here is very severe, and many, indeed the 
Majority of the Dragoons, have neither boots or shoes. I have 
spoke to Capt. Starr of this place who promises me to supply them 
with shoes. As it is a case of necessity I hope neither he or I can 
receive censure. 

Moylan's " business" was " not to dispute" but it turned out 
by later events that he was justified in not approving of the selec- 
tion of Colchester. The Governor and Assembly of Connecticut 
were likewise opposed to the cantonment of the troops there. Mr. 
Hubbard also confessed the selection unadvisable. 

Washington wrote Moylan from Morristown, 5th January 
1780: 

The Board of War are anxious to compleat an arrangement 
of the four Regiments of Cavalry and have wrote to me on that 
account. You will therefore be pleased to forward that of your 
Hegiment as speedily as possible. 

To this Moylan replied: 

moylan's " A SOUTHERN REGIMENT." 

Middletown, 17th January, 1780. 
The exceeding heavy snows had stoppd up the roads in such 
a manner as rendered it absolutely impossible for the 2d Regt. to 
move on to Colchester or the 4th to leave Walingford, until the 
14th inst. when they got as far as Durham, I expect them in from 
thence at this place to-morrow, where they shall remain no longer 
than untill a road can be found passable to Colchester, as the 
weather is cleared up, I hope they will be able to march in a day 



94 A Southern Regiment. 

or two. The river will now bear, and I am informed there is a 
road by marching i6 miles on it that will probably be beat suffi- 
cient. I have sent down to have it examind, and hope for a favor- 
able report. The Inhabitants of the town of Durham, instigated 
by Mr. Wadsworth formerly a Bridgr. Genl. would, scarcely let the 
Regiment halt at that place, tho in their direct rout to Colchester, 
for no other reason that I know of, but that they are a Southern 
Regiment, which I am sorry to say, is not a reccommendation in 
this State. I find this Gentn., if I may call him one, has represented 
me in an unfavorable light to the Governor, from whom I have 
this day received a most insulting Letter. As I know it was wrote 
in prejudice I will not give such an answer, as it deserves. I have 
one pleasure which is that no Regiment could be more orderly than 
the 4th since they have come into this State, and I have no doubt 
but they will continue so. 

A further report was made by Moylan from Middletown, 22d 
January, 1780: 

There is at last a path made from East Haddam to Colchester, 
by which rout I shall march off the Regiment this day. We have 
an exceeding cold day, and the Regiment so very badly off for 
undercloaths that they are much to be pitied. If the Quarters are 
so bad as represented to me, it will be much to be lamented that 
the whole has been ordered thither — Major Tallmadge informs me 
that a part of the 2d will march this by way of Bolton — and the 
remainder the 24th — the dismounted of that Regiment are to remain 
at Weathersfield, as it will be impossible to quarter them at Col- 
chester. This is done at the request of Mr. Hubbard, who acknowl- 
edges that the men cannot be quartered any where convenient to 
the stables. 

Captain Pike & Captain Craig are going to recruit for the 
Regiment, if your Excellency will be pleasd to order them some 
money for that purpose they will account for the same. 

Washington to Moylan, 14th January, 1780: 

His Excellency Governor Trumbull has written to me lately 
and informed me that the executive of the State of Connecticut are 
determined to take the most vigorous measures for stopping the 
intercourse between the inhabitants of that State and the Enemy 
in New York, and upon Long Island, and has requested me to 
direct the assistance of the Cavalry should they be found necessary 
for the more effectual execution of the Law. I have in answer 



Moylan from Colchester. 95 

represented to the Governor that the Horse, after a hard Campaign, 
require as much repose as possible in their Winter Quarters, and 
have therefore desired him to call for them only in case of emer- 
gency. I hope you will not often have occasion to detach the Horse 
upon business of this kind, but I am to desire you to comply with 
the requisitions when made. Should they be too frequent we must 
take an opportunity of remonstrating against the practice. 

To which Moylan replied: 

Colchester, ist February, 1780. 

I acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's Letter of the 
14th Ulto. by which I am ordered to comply with the requisitions 
of Governor Trumbull for the assistance of Cavalry. Should they 
be found necessary to enforce the execution of the Laws to prevent 
the trade carried on from this State with the enemy, which shall 
be obeyed. 

I am informd that the authority of this town have memorialisd 
the executive power of the State setting forth the impossibility of 
their being capable of Quartering the two Regiments in this place 
during the winter. Indeed they have good reason for it as it will 
be a difBcult matter to find Qrs. even for one, to have them in 
such a manner as the men can be convenient to attend their horses. 
The 4th Regiment are at present from absolute necessity dispersed 
full five miles — and by the inclosed from Major Tallmadge your 
Excellency will see how the 2d are situated. Had the plan for 
quartering the two Regiments, which was first formd, taken place 
they could both have been well accomodated, and I will dare to 
say at less expence to the publick than they will be at present. I 
am sorry to find that there is little probability of our having grain 
to recruit our horses with after a hard duty the last Campaign. 
One quart p. day is what the Qr. Master tells me can be allowed 
I mention this that your Excellency may not expect to see the 
Horse in order for doing duty at the opening of the Campaign. 
You may be assured. Sir, that nothing on my part shall be wanting 
to bring them in the best condition which the circumstances will 

allow of. 

Washington at Morristown to Moylan at Colchester, 3d Feb- 
ruary, 1780: 

Since I wrote to you to remove all the Cavalry to Colchester, 
I have seen a second representation from Mr. Hubbard to the 
Quarter Master General, in which he seems to confess that they 



96 Moylan frovi Colchester. 

cannot be accommodated with conveniency at Colchester, and 
wishes Sheldon's Regiment to be left at Weathersfield. I shall 
therefore leave the Cantonment of the Horse to your Discretion, 
and have only to recommend to you to keep them as compact as 
the State of the Forage and Quarters will admit. I should be 
sorry that there should be any misunderstanding between Governor 
Trumbull and you, and I think you acted with great prudence in 
not answering a warm letter from him in the same stile, as you 
had reason to think he had been unwarrantably prejudiced. You 
will, upon the whole, find many advantages by cultivating a good 
understanding with the Civil Authority. 

Captains Pike and Craig called upon me for money for the 
recruiting service, ... I think you had best turn your attention 
to reinlisting your old men, and to picking up new Recruits in the 
Country near the Quarters of your Regiment. This may be done 
without incurring any extra expense. 

John Pierce, Deputy Paymaster-General [appointed June, 
1779], writing from Morristown, February 8, 1780, to Thomas 
Reed at New Windsor, sent him " an account of advances against 
Colonel Moylan's Regiment which remain unsettled." Mr. Hen- 
derson, Paymaster of the Regiment, disputed the justice of the 
stoppage, as he had mislaid his pay-rolls or left them in Philadel- 
phia. [Saifel, 481.] 

Moylan to Governor Trumbull: 

Major Worthington handed me a Resolve of the General 
Assembly of this State relative to the two Regiments of Light 
Dragoons under my command, with your Excellency's order for 
the removal of the 2d Regiment from Colchester to the severall 
towns mentiond in the resolve for their Cantonment. I now send 
the necessary orders to the officers commanding that Regt. that 
the same may be put in execution as soon as possible. 

I am very sorry Sir, that your orders are to have the Regi- 
ment so very much dispersed. It will put it out of the power of 
the officers to pay that attention which is so essentialy necessary 
for keeping up a proper discipline and will render it impossible 
for me to fulfil the instructions which I have received from His 
Excellency the Commander in Chief — from them Sir I take the 
Liberty to give you the following extracts : " In the Cantonment 
of the Regiments you will preserve as much compactness as the 
nature of the place will admit, that by having them all under your 



Connecticut Orders. 97 

own eye, you may be able to keep up good discipline, and prevent 
dissipation & irregularity. 

" You will direct the utmost attention to the Horse, that they 
may come into the field in the best possible condition for service." 

I must plead your Excellency's orders for my not being able 
to comply with these instructions — had the Regiment been stationed 
at any one place I would endeavour to fulfill them. 

P.S. — The dismounted men of the 2d Regt. are now quartered 
in Weathersfield. I will be obliged to your Excellency to let me 
know by the earliest opportunity, whether it is your intention that 
they should move with the Regiment. 

RESOLVE OF CONNECTICUT. 

By the Governor & Commander in chief to Stephen Moylan, 
Esqr., Colonel Comt. of the two Regts. of American Light Dra- 
goons now in this State. 

Enclosed is a Resolve of the General Assembly of this State 
relative to said two Regiments. Pleas to give the necessary orders 
for the removal of the 2d Regiment call'd Sheldon's, from Col- 
chester to the several towns mentiond in the Resolve, to be can- 
ton 'd in the proportions and manner therein mentiond. 

Given under my hand in the Council Chamber at Hartford, 
5th Feby, 1780. 

JoNTH. Trumbull. 

Whereas two Regiments of American Light Dragoons are 
now in this State, in order to be quartered. Wherefore that the 
same may be distributed in the several towns with the least dis- 
advantage to the Inhabitants, &c. Resolved by this Assembly that 
the fourth Regiment shall remain at Colchester, where it is now — 
and the other or 2d Regt. called Sheldon's shall be cantond in the 
several towns of Farmington, Symsbury, Windsor, Suffield, East 
Windsor & Enfield, in equal proportions as near as may be, and 
to be distributed and placed in such parts of said several towns as 
the Civil Authority & Select Men of such towns shall order & 
direct. 

Moylan reported to Washington: 

Colchester, 8 February, 1780. 

Inclosed is copy of an act of the Legislature of this State, the 
Governor's order to me thereon, and my answer thereto, which it 
is my duty to lay before your Excellency. 



98 Connecticut Orders. 

Your Letter to me of the 14th Ulto. mentions that I am to 
comply with the requisitions of the Governor, for the Cavalry, 
when demanded, which made me not hesitate in obeying his order. 
Had I not this sanction Sir, was I at liberty to object to the 
removal of the 2d Regiment? I beg your Excellency's opinion on 
this point, for my future government. 

To which Washington replied: 

MoRRiSTOWN, i6th February, 1780. 
With regards to the Act of Assembly of the State of Connecti- 
cut, it appears to me founded on a principle which, if extended or 
carried into a precedent, would be productive of consequences most 
injurious to the Service. In the present instance, however, there 
seemed a necessity for complying with it, for the greater ease of 
the Inhabitants and to prevent the cantonments falling too heavy 
on any particular place. It is always my wish to accomodate, 
where no great injuries can result to the service. And I would 
hope, that notwithstanding the sparse situation into which the 
cavalry are thrown, the attention of the Officers will provide against 
the inconveniences apprehended. 

REGIMENTAL RETURN WANTED. 

On February 15, 1780, Washington to Moylan requesting an 
exact Return of the number of Non-Commissioned Officers and 
Privates of your Regiment, designating in a particular manner, 
how many of them are inlisted for the War, and the different terms 
of service of the residue, digested in Monthly Columns. You can- 
not be too expeditious in forwarding me this Return. 

At this time there were 130 Pennsylvanians in Moylan's 
" Regiment." 

On 2ist Washington directed: 

" Should any of the Men belong to the State of Connecticut, 
you will be pleased to transmit a Return of them immediately to 
Governor Trumbull. You will notwithstanding this, include them 
in the Regimental Return which you make to me." 

By a return dated Wethersfield. February 22, 1780, made by 
Major Benjamin Tailmadge of 2d Light Dragoons it appears that 
in six companies there were but i trumpeter, i farrier and 5 
privates of " Mounted effective dragoons." The reasons given 
were " Horses much reduced, almost total want of accoutrements, 
boots and other clothing." Colonel Moylan reported, " Fourth 



Dragoons for Greenzvich. 99 

Regiment returned non-effective for want of breeches, boots, shirts 
and stockings." 

Yet duty had to be performed though the men were not in 
proper condition. Governor Trumbull from Hartford, on Feb- 
ruary 19, 1780, sent this order: 

AN ORDER FROM GOVERNOR TRUMBULL TO MOYLAN. 

At the request of the General Assembly of this State, I have 
to desire you to order an officer and eighteen mounted Dragoons 
from the Regiments under your command to march immediately 
to Greenwich on the Western Coast of this State, for the purpose 
of protecting the Inhabitants of the adjacent country, and prevent- 
ing the practice of carrying embargoed provisions to the enemy at 
New York. 

I would wish Lt. Rogers of Sheldon's Regiment to be em- 
ployed on this service, as being perfectly well acquainted with that 
part of the country, and. as a Native, particularly interested to be 
active and vigilant. 

Colonel Moylan replied on 21st, saying: 

" As you think Natives more particularly interested to be 
active and vigilant, I have ordered the party from the 2d Regi- 
ment." 

But three days later he had to report to the Governor that " it 
was not in his power to furnish the party you made requisition of," 
as the Adjutant of the Regiment reported " the whole being non- 
effective." He was " in expectation of some clothing for the 4th 
Regiment; if it should come timely I can easily equip the number 
wanting." He advised that " the Assembly ought to appoint some 
certain plan from which provisions can be drawn for the men and 
forage for the horses upon this duty." 

The same day (24th) Moylan reported to Washington: 

That he had received the requisition of the Governor for the 
eighteen men, to go on the Lines, which I orderd from the 2d 
Regiment, not doubting but it could be furnished from thence, but 
such is the state of the two Regiments in respect to cloathing that 
the party could not be furnished. 

Colonel Moylan was then at Colchester. Connecticut. 

To Washington he reported from Middletown, 29th February, 
1780: 

You will see by my Letters, that the Civil powers have taken 



lOO Regiments in Straits. 

upon themselves, the cantonment of the 2d Regiment, the 4th are 
at Colchester, and if we are supplyed with Forao-e I hope to shew 
them to advantage, at the opening of the Campaign. I have tryed 
every method to prevail with the men whose time is near expiring, 
to reinlist but the desire of seeing home is at present their ruling 
passion, if I could have granted them that liberty before they 
march'd so far, it would, I am convinced, have had very good 
effects but your Excellency's instructions positively forbad it. 

ILL CONDITION OF REGIMENTS. 

Washington to Moylan from Morristown, 8th March, 1780: 

I am exceedingly concerned to see. by the letters which have 
passed between Governor Trumbull and you, and by the Returns, 
the ill condition of the 26. and 4th Regiments of Cavalry in respect 
to Clothing, Arms and accoutrements. I understood that applica- 
tion has been made for the former directly to the Board of War, 
and I was in hopes that it had been provided. I shall be glad to 
know what prospect your Regiment has of being supplied and 
have wrote to Major Tallmadge on the same subject respecting 
Sheldon's. 

A Court Martial is to be held on the 15th April next at Spring- 
field, for the trial of Mr. Tychnor. Deputy Commissary of pur- 
chases at Co'os, on sundry charges brought against him by Colonel 
Hazen. Six Captains and Subs, are to be furnished from the two 
Regiments of Cavalry : You will therefore be pleased to order that 
number upon that duty, and direct them to be punctual in their 
attendance at the time. 

Doctor Shippen has summoned you as witness upon his trial 
which is to be held at this place upon the 14th Instant. After 
leaving proper directions with the next Officer in command you 
will repair hither. 

TRIAL OF DR. SHIPPEN. 

Dr. Shippen was the Director-General of the Military Hos- 
pitals. He was charged with selling hospital stores for his own use. 

Washington's order did not reach Moylan until March 27th 
at Middletown, where he had gone on account of the accouchment 
of Mrs. Moylan, who gave birth to a still-born infant. 

Before receiving Washington's order to " repair" to Morris- 
town, Colonel Moylan had sent this declaration: 

I do declare upon my sacred honour that in the year 1777 I 



To Go South. loi 

went in company with, and by the desire of, Doctor Shippen, the 
Director-General of the hospitals, to a store, where I tasted five or 
six pipes of wine ; that I recommended them for liis own use, as 
I thought them cheap and good. Given under my hand, this sixth 
day of March, in Colchester, 1780. 

Stephen Moylan. 

The trial adjourned for " a few weeks," wrote Washington to 
Moylan on April 5th, adding, " It is lucky you did not set out" in 
obedience to his order of March 8th. 

When finally tried. Dr. Shippen was acquitted. 

" PREPARING FOR THE SOUTH." 

On March 8, 1780. Washington at Morristown, New Jersey, 
urged the Board of War at Philadelphia to hasten the accoutre- 
ments and clothing for the dragoons. The Board replied on March 
17th — St. Patrick's Day — that supplies for the cavalry had been 
ordered sent the camp. Again on March 25th Washington called 
for saddles for the dragoons " now preparing for an immediate 
departure for the South." 

On the 27th he wrote Colonel Mo3dan that the Board of War 
had given directions to provide " uniform clothing for your Regi- 
ment" and would " procure caps, leather breeches and boots for 
the cavalry," and " make provision of swords, pistols and car- 
touch boxes." Washington had ordered " saddlery." He added : 

" Here I must take occasion to enforce a matter which the 
Board of War have recommended, and which is. to draw no more 
than the Articles which are indispensably necessary and no more of 
such Articles than are really deficient. The scantiness of our 
Stores of every kind and the necessity of retrenching public ex- 
penses, by all possible means, makes me hope you will pay the 
strictest attention to this request." 

MOYLAN 'S DEAD CHILD. 

Moylan to Washington from Middletown, 28th March, 1780: 
As your Excellency's Letter of the 8th instant did not reach 
my hands until yesterday, it rendered my appearance at the trial 
of Doctor Shippen on the 14th impossible. I will obey your order 
by sending the six officers to Springfield from the Cavalry to sit 
on the trial of Mr. Tychner. The only prospect I have of getting 
cloathing for the 4th Regiment is the promise of the Clothier 



I02 Penitsylz'aiiia Dragoons. 

General. I have sent Captain Pike near two months past on that 
business but have not since heard from him, as to the accoutre- 
ments I followed the instructions of your Excellency in applying to 
the D. Q. M. Genl. I know that without these necessary articles 
as well as some new arms, these two Regiments cannot take the 
field. 

Mrs. Moylan has had the misfortune to be delivered of a dead 
child which has kept me in this town of late more than I otherwise 
should be as her situation requires my every attention, I hope it 
will sufficiently excuse my absence from Colchester. I hear from 
thence every day — the horses are in very good order. 

Should Mrs. Moylan's health & circumstances require it, I 
will be much obliged by your Excellency's giving me a liberty to 
accompany her into the Jerseys in April or May. If I should find 
it detrimental to the service, I shall not make use of it. 

On April i, 1780, Moylan at Middletown sent Washington the 
" returns for the 2d and 4th Regiments" for March. 

On April 5th Washington notified Moylan that Dr. Shippen's 
trial had been postponed. He would get notice of the next meeting 
of the Court, " which I imagine will suit that of your attendance 
upon Mrs. Moylan to Jersey." He sent his own and Mrs. Wash- 
ington's compliments to Mrs. Moylan " and condolence in your 
late misfortune." 

In a Postscript he added: 

PS. — The Court Martial is adjourned to the 15th May. You 
will therefore come down about that time, if no material duty in 
the line of your command should prevent you. 

Pennsylvania's dragoons. 

To President Reed of Pennsylvania Colonel Moylan reported 
from Colchester, April 14th: 

The Resolve of Congress passed the 15th March, 1779, respect- 
ing the Corps of Light Dragoons, has but very lately come to my 
knowledge, probably owing to the duty of that part of the Army 
Which I have the honour to command, being generally employed 
on the enemies Lines ; and of course we are not regularly supplied 
with the General Orders. 

Mr. John Sullivan, mentioned in this Return as belonging to 
the State, has not been long enough in America to have gained a 
Settlement in any part of the United States, but as I made him the 



Moylan's Men in Xccd. 103 

offer of a Lieutenancy in the Regiment during his Sojourn in 
Philadelphia, I have Sett him down as appertaining to Pennsyl- 
vania, which is agreeable to the Resolve of Congress before men- 
tioned. He is a young gentleman of some fortune, and one that 
I have every reason to think, will do honor to himself, and to the 
State of which he is to be a member. 

I have great satisfaction in assuring the Legislature of Penn- 
sylvania that no men in the army have done their duty with more 
alacrity than those in the 4th Regiment of Light Dragoons, who 
belong to that State, have done. 

By the " Return" it was shown that 1 1 were engaged for the 
War, 5 until April, i until July and i to September. Total 18. of 
whom " only eleven are to be credited as part of the State's quota." 

DEPLORABLE CONDITION OF MOYLAN's MEN. 

The deplorable condition of the Dragoons is thus stated to 
General Washington: 

Colchester, 14th April, 1780. 

On the first inst. I requested liberty to convey Mrs. Moylan 
to her friends in Jersey in this or the next month. She is recover- 
ing fast from her late indisposition and if I have your permission, I 
should be glad to set out early in May that I may have sufficient 
time to return before the Regiment can take the field. I propose 
taking the tour of the 2d Regiment next week, the 4th are recruit- 
ing fast. As to the horses, the men much to be pitied for want of 
bread, shirts, hoots & stockings and by much more, for want of 
Breeches, I was informd that it would be deranging the system 
established for cloathing the Army, to get an order on Boston for 
the necessary clothing wanting for the 4th Regiment. Colonel 
Sheldon was not told so, & has got his Regiment comfortable, I 
am glad he has, but it makes the poor fellows of the 4th feel, for 
the neglect shewn them, especially as they think, they have at least 
as much title to attention as any Regiment of horse in the service. 
There are a few recruits picked up and they tell me 750 dollars is 
given as a bounty, by Major Lee & others recruiting westward of 
us, I wish to know from your Excellency whether I am entitled to 
give that bounty, as I have promisd the utmost given by any officer 
recruiting for the cavalry. It sickens me to see the 4th Regiment 
mouldering away. Every day now, carries off some whose times 
are up, and I have no inducements to offer for encourageing their 



I04 Moyla)is Men in Xccd. 

reinlisting. Badly paid with money that will not purchase an egg" 
in this place ; no bread to eat, and seeing themselves and those 
whom they leave behind almost naked, these are not inducements 
for continueing in the service. 

How the officers manage, is to me inconceivable. I do declare 
that if I had not drawn upon France for loo guineas, which by 
great economy carries me through, I should not be able to get the 
necessaries of Life. When things are at the worst, they will mend, 
is the proverb, I hope it will prove true in the present instance. 
A report prevails that your Excellency is to move Head Qrs. to the 
Southward. My ambition is to serve where your Excellency imme- 
diately commands the army. If it should be true I hope you will 
not leave me behind you. 

This distressful condition of the army owing to the lack of 
supplies, even " the necessaries of life," was still further made 
deplorable by reason of the severity of the weather. Washington 
writing to Lafayette — then in France — on March i8, 1780, from 
Morristown, stated: 

" The oldest people now living in this Country do not remem- 
ber so hard a winter as the one we are now emerging from," on 
account of the " extreme cold and deep snows." \Sparks, \T, 487.] 

On April i8th Washington wrote Moylan: 

" There is a quantity of Arms and Accoutrements proper for 
Cavalry at Springfield. I have directed the Commissary of Mili- 
tary Stores at that place to deliver to you and to Colonel Sheldon 
for the use of your Regiments, such of the Articles as you may 
want." 

He had written General Schuyler, 22d March, " Our aflfairs 
seem to be verging fast to a stagnation in every branch, even pro- 
visions." 

Moylan to Washington from Hartford, 24th April, 1780: 

I came to this place in order to apply to the General Assembly 
for to advance a sum of money to purchass Forage for the Light 
Dragoons as what has been collected at Colchester will be consumed 
in this week, and the inhabitants there, also those in the different 
towns where the 2d Regiment are placed, absolutely refuse to 
furnish any upon the credit of the United States, I have expecta- 
tion that money will be lodged in the hands of the Depy. Or. ■Mr. 
General for this purpose. 

I could wish that Lt. Col. Temple was to join the Regiment 



Moylan's Men in Need. 105 

before my departure for Morristown in order to attend Doctor 
Shippen's trial, which I find is adjourned to the 15th May, at 
which time I hope personally to pay my respects to your Excellency. 

I will leave this place to-morrow in order to visit the different 
Troops of the 2d Regiment and will report the state of that and of 
the 4th Regt. to your Excellency when I have the honour to see you. 

Mrs. Moylan hopes soon to thank you & Mrs. Washington in 
person for your kind concern on her late misfortune. We propose 
setting out the 5th of next month at which time I will be the bearer 
of the Returns for the month of April. 

On April 28, 1780, the Supreme Executive Council of Penn- 
sylvania received from Colonel Moylan under date of Colchester, 
April 14th, a " Return of Officers and Privates of the 4th Regiment 
of Light Dragoons belonging to the State of Pennsylvania," by 
which it appears that Moylan was, on June 5, 1776, Colonel by 
brevet and on 8th June, 1777, in the cavalry from Pennsvlvania. 
[Col Rec, XII, 332.] 

JUNE 1780. 

On June 7, 1780, Washington established his headquarters at 
Springfield, N. J. On the 26th, when at Morristown, he sent orders 
to General Glover under whose command Moylan's Regiment had 
been placed (while he was at the home of his wife) to move on 
to Springfield for the purpose of receiving and forwarding the 
draft. 

On June 10, 1780, Washington at Springfield, New Jersey, 
directed General Robert Howe, who though of the same name a.s 
the British brothers Howe, was a Patriot, to " consider West Point 
as the capital object of your attention," as there " is a suspicion of 
something being intended against that post." Clinton's Brigade 
" may shortly reinforce you. The enemy have a good many cavalry 
and we have none here. You will despatch immediately Moylan's 
regiment to join us." [Sparks', VII, 75.] 

Washington was moving the army Southward. 

Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan or Officer command- 
ing 4th L. D., Springfield, June 20. 1780: 

Should the whole of your Regiment have left King's Ferry, 
you will be pleased to order back a Commissioned Officer and six 
Men, with directions to the Officer to remain on this side, and 
dispatch a Dragoon every morning with a written report of any 



io6 Bull's Ferry. 

appearances upon the Water. Should any Vessels heave in sight, 
he will endeavour to ascertain their number and size, he will come 
on himself with the last man. 

If the whole Regiment should not have come on, you may 
send these orders to the Officer in the rear. 

By Colonel James McHenry, Washington's orders on July 
5, 1780, to Moylan were: 

His Excellency requests that you will without delay take Post 
with your Regiment in a situation near the rear of the Army calcu- 
lated to afford you a sufficiency of Forage. From hence you will 
detach a commissioned Officer with fifteen Men, which you will be 
pleased to relieve as often as you may judge proper, and direct them 
to patrol the Country from the little Falls as far as Acquackenunch 
Bridge to Hackensack. It is the General's particular recommen- 
dation, that the patrol frequently change ground nor remain long 
in a place, never two nights at a time. Major Lee is directed to 
patrol on your left. 

Moylan made reply the same day to which came this answer: 

I communicated your answer to His Excellency. He thinks 
the little Falls too near the Enemy and leaves it to you to take a 
position within the fork of the River, or on this side, or on the 
left of the Army as you may find most convenient to the objects 
which he communicated. You will be pleased to advise the Gen- 
eral as soon as you have determined on a position. 

bull's ferry. 

On July 20. 1780, Washington ordered General Anthony 
Wayne to " proceed with the first and second Pennsylvania Brig- 
ades and Colonel Moylan's regiment of dragoons upon the execu- 
tion of the business planned." 

This was an attack on the block house at Bull's Ferry near 
Fort Lee on the west bank of the Hudson River. 

On July 22. 1780, General Wayne from Totowa reported to 
General Washington that " the first and second Pennsylvania brig- 
ades, with four pieces of artillery belonging to Col. Proctor's regi- 
ment and Colonel Moylan's dragoons, took up their line of march 
on the 20th at three o'clock p.m. and arrived a little in the rear of 
New Bridge at nine in the evening. We moved again at one in the 
morning in order to occupy the ground in the vicinity of Fort 
Lee and the landing opposite King's Bridge by the dawn of day 



Bull's Ferry. 107 

we advanced with . . . Colonel Moylan's horse on the common 
road. Colonel Moylan with the horse, and a detachment of in- 
fantry, remained at the fork of the road leading to Paulus Hook 
and Bergen, to receive the enemy. , . . Colonel Moylan's horse 
drove the cattle from Bergen up towards the Liberty Pole whilst 
detachment of infantry destroyed the sloops and the woodboats at 
the landing." 

Washington reported to President Huntingdon of Congress 
on July 26, 1780: 

Having received information that there were considerable 
number of cattle and horses in Bergen Neck, within reach of the 
enemy and having reason to suspect that they meant shortly to 
draw all supplies of that kind within their lines, I detached Briga- 
dier-General Wayne on the 20th with the first and second Penn- 
sylvania brigades with four pieces of artillery attached to them, 
and Col. Moylan's Regiment of dragoons to bring them off. I 
had it also in contemplation to attempt, at the same time, the de- 
struction of a Block house erected at Bull's Ferry, which served 
the purpose of covering the enemy's wood choppers and giving 
security to a body of Refugees, by whom it was garrisoned, and 
who committed depredations upon the well-affected inhabitants for 
many miles round. 

General Wayne having disposed of his troops so as to guard 
the different landing places on the Bergen shore and having sent 
down the Cavalry to execute the business of driving off the stock. 

While Wayne was attacking the block house, " the dragoons 
in the meantiVne drove off the stock which were found in the Neck, 
the sloops and wood boats in the dock near the block house, were 
burnt and the few people on board them made prisoners." Wayne 
lost 15 killed, 49 wounded. [Pa. Packet, Aug. i, 1780.] 

Washington to Moylan, Bergen County, 28th July, 1780: 

There is a necessity for moving the Army from this Ground 
to-morrow morning, and as we have not a sufficiency of waggons 
for the purpose, you will be pleased to divide the whole of your 
Horse in small parties and send them five or six miles each way to 
make an impress. Sixty Waggons at least will be w^anted, which 
are to be sent, as they are collected, to the Grand Parade. They 
must if possible be there some time in the night, as the Troops are 
to march at three in the Morning. The people may be informed 
that they will be discharged in three Days and perhaps sooner. 



io8 TJie Traitor Arnold. 

Our move is of the utmost importance and you will for that reason 
direct the parties to be active in the execution of their business. 
The people should bring Forage with their waggons if possible. 

A DISAGREEABLE CRISIS. 

On 30th July, 1780, Washington informed Congress " Of the 
most disagreeable crisis to which our affairs are brought in the 
Quartermaster General's department, unless measures are taken 
immediately to induce General Greene and other principal officers 
of that department to continue their services, there must of neces- 
sity be a total stagnation of military business. We must not only 
cease from the preparations for the campaign, but in all probability 
shall be obliged to disperse, if not disband, the army for want of 
subsistence." [Sparks', VII, 126.] 

THE TRAITOR ARNOLD. 

On September 27, 1780. his brother, then in Philadelphia, 
wrote in Spanish to Stephen on business matters but saying, " Yes- 
terday we learned the sorrowful news that Arnold had been de- 
clared a traitor and is now in New York." Stephen replied, in 
French, concerning the business and saying that he had been ill by 
fever and was yet in such a condition that he could scarcely 
write. [M.S'.] 

Colonel Moylan to President Reed from Camp, October i : 

Major Andre is to be executed this evening at 5 o'clock. 
What a pity it is not Arnold that is to suffer in his room. His 
conduct through the examination has been open, candid, manly, 
and has gained him the esteem of every one. He has been led into 
the scrape against his judgment, and fortunately for America, by 
the bad conduct of Arnold in sending him back, was catched. 
[Reed's Life of Reed, II, 276.] 

*' The man was noble but his last attempt wiped it out and his 
name remains to ensuing ages abhorred." 

On November 17, 1780, Washington sent Moylan instructions: 

You will immediately send off all your infirm and reduced 
Horses to Lancaster in Pennsylvania, at or near which place your 
Regiment will be cantoned for the Winter. 

You will give the Officer who goes with the party directions 
to deliver to the Deputy Quarter Master General in Lancaster 
County all the Horses that you are of opinion will not be fit for 



Washingtoii to Moylan. 109 

Dragoon service another Campaign; the remainder you will have 
recruited and put in good Order in the course of the Winter. 

You will particularly attend to that part of your former In- 
structions, pointing out the number of Horses to be kept by each 
Officer according to his Rank, and see that the number is not on 
any account exceeded. You will have all the Old Accoutrements 
repaired, as soon as the Men are fixed in Quarters. 

As I presume that the State of Pennsylvania is to compleat 
your Regiment to the establishment of the 3d and 21st October 
(which you have seen published in the General Orders of the ist 
Instant) I would recommend it to you to wait upon the President 
yourself, or direct an Officer to do it. with an exact state of the 
Regiment as to Men and Horses, and inform him of the deficiencies 
in both. You will particularly explain to him, that the times of a 
great part of your Men expire in the course of the Winter, lest, in 
making provision for filHng up the Corps, he may count upon them. 

I do not know the mode that will be fallen upon to procure 
the Men and Horses: You will therefore govern yourself by the 
directions which may be given to you by the Executive Authority, 
in consequence of the measures which may be adopted. Neither 
do I know whether the State or Continent are to provide your 
Accoutrements. You will make yourself acquainted with that cir- 
cumstance, and apply in season to one or the other of those neces- 
sary for a full Corps, as it is to be presumed that the State will 
fully comply with the requisition of Congress. 

I shall direct the Officer, with the part of the Regiment which 
remains here, to repair to Lancaster as soon as the Army quits the 
Field. 

Colonel Timothy Pickering, 0. M. G., to President Reed, 1780: 

Col. Moylan's regiment of light dragoons being under march- 
ing orders for Winter Quarters, and the upper part of Lancaster 
county being judged the most eligible for the purpose, I have 
written to Col. Philip Marsteller, Assistant Quarter Master for 
that county, to use his endeavours to procure both forage and 
quarters for them. 

Col. Moylan has at present about a hundred and seventy 
dragoon horses. Many of these are quite unfit for service, and 
will be turned over to the quarter masters for waggon and riding 
horses when recruited. Should his regiment be completed he will 
want a great number of horses to mount his recruits — probably 



no Washington to Moylan. 

two hundred. These I have not the smallest prospect of being able 
to purchase. And as the regiment is assigned to the State of Penn- 
sylvania as a part of its quota, I am naturally led to your Excellency 
as its patron. 

Washington had matured an attack on the British in New 
York at this time. His orders to Colonel Moylan on November 
21, 1780, were: 

At nine O'clock in the Morning of Friday 24th you will parade 
with your Regiment at Totawa Bridge, furnished with two days 
provisions, and you will detach parties towards the New Bridge, 
and thence upwards to the Bridge near Demarest's and down- 
wards, as far as you think necessary to answer the purpose to 
secure all the crossing places on the Hackensack, and prevent any 
person going with intelligence to the Enemy. You will select a 
sufficient party of the trustiest of your Men to patrol from the 
Marquis's Old Quarters below the Liberty Pole towards Bergen 
Town, Bull's ierry, Wehawk, Hobuck &c. A Vidette to be con- 
stantly at Bull's ferry and make reports every two hours. 

Much depends on the punctual execution of these Orders for 
which I have intire reliance on your judgment and knowledge of 
the Country. I confide the rest to your discretion. 

PS. — Van Heer's Corps will join you and take your Orders. 

The project, however, failed. Washington wrote that, "cir- 
cumstances rendered the prosecution of the design inexpedient." 
[Ford, IX, 38.] 

CHASTELLUX AND MOYLAN. 

At this time the Marquis de Chastellux visited Washington's 
Camp at Morristown. From his Travels, Vol. I, pp. 141 -173 this 
extract relating to Colonel Moylan is taken : 

The reader will perceive that it is difficult for me to quit Gen- 
eral Washington: let us take our resolution briskly then, and 
suppose ourselves on the Road. Behold me travelling with Colonel 
Moylan, whom his Excellency had given me, in spight of myself, 
as a companion, and whom I should have been glad to have seen 
at a distance, for one cannot be too much at one's ease in travelling. 
In such situations, however, we must do the best we can. I began 
to question him, he to answer me, and the conversation gradually 
becoming more interesting, I found I had to do with a very gallant 
and intelligent man, who had lived long in Europe, and who has 



Chastellux and Moylan. iii 

travelled through the greatest part of America. I found him per- 
fectly polite; for his politeness was not troublesome, and I soon 
conceived a great friendship for him. Mr. Moylan is an Irish 
Catholic; one of his brothers is Catholic Bishop of Cork,* he has 
four others, two of whom are merchants, one at Cadiz, the other 
at L'Orient; the third is in Ireland with his family; and the 
fourth is intended for the priesthood. As for himself, he came to 
settle in America some years ago, where he was at first engaged 
in commerce; he then served in the Army as Aid de Camp to the 
General, and has merited the command of the light cavalry. During 
the war he married the daughter of a rich merchant in the Jerseys, 
who lived formerly at New York, and who now resides on an 
estate at a little distance from the road we were to pass the next 
day. He proposed to me to go and sleep there, or at least to take 
dinner; I begged to be excused, from the fear of being obliged 
to pay compliments, of straightening others, or of being myself 
straightened; he did not insist, so that I pursued my journey, 
sometimes through fine woods, at others through well cultivated 
lands, and villages inhabited by Dutch families. 

Chastellux and Moylan remained at Morristown over night, 
" where the goodness of General Washington and the precautions 
of Colonel Moylan had procured entertainment at the inn of Mr. 
Arnold." 

The next morning they left Morristown. 

Some miles from thence, we met a man on horseback, who 
came to meet Colonel Moylan with a letter from his wife. After 
reading it, he said to me, with a truly European politeness, that we 
must always obey the women; that his wife would accept of no 
excuse, and expected me to dinner; but he assured me that he 
would take me by a road which should not be a mile out of my 
way, whilst my people pursued their journey, and went to wait 
for me at Somerset Court-house. I was now too well acquainted 
with my Colonel, and too much pleased with him, to refuse this 
invitation; I followed him, therefore, and after crossing a wood, 
found myself on a height, the position of which struck me at first 
sight. I remarked to Colonel Moylan, that I was much mistaken 
if this ground was not well calculated for an advantageous camp; 
he replied, that it was precisely that of Middlebrook, where General 



* He did not become Bishop of Cork until 1787. He was Bishop of Kilkenny 
in 1780. 



112 Chastellux and Moylan. 

Washington had stopped the British in June, 1777, when Sir 
WilHam Howe was endeavouring to traverse the Jersey to pass- 
the Delaware, and take Philadelphia. 

It is here that Colonel Moylan's father-in-law has fitted up a 
little rural asylum, where his family go to avoid the heats of sum- 
mer, and where they pass whole nights in listening to the song of 
the mocking bird for the nightingale does not sing in America. 

We soon arrived at Colonel Moylan's, or rather at Colonel 
Vanhorn's his father-in-law. This manor is in a beautiful situa- 
tion; it is surrounded by some trees, the approach is decorated 
with a grass plot, and if it was better taken care of, one would 
think ones-self in the neighborhood of London, rather than in 
that of New York. Mr. Vanhorn came to meet me; he is a tall, 
lusty man, near sixty years of age, but vigorous, hearty, and good 
humoured ; he is called Colonel from the station he held in the 
Militia, under the English Government, He resigned some time 
before the war: he was then a merchant and cultivator, passing 
the winter at New York, and the summer in the country ; but since 
the war he has quitted that town, and retired to his manor, always 
faithful to his country, without rendering himself odious to the 
English, with whom he has left two of his sons in the Jamaica 
trade, but who, if the war continues, are to sell their property and 
come and live with their father. Nothing can prove more strongly 
the integrity of his conduct, than the esteem in which he is held 
by both parties. Situated at ten miles from Staten Island, near 
to Rariton, Amboy, and Brunswick, he has frequently found him- 
self in the midst of the theatre of war ; so that he has sometimes 
had the Americans with him, sometimes the English. It even 
happened to him once in the same day, to give a breakfast to Lord 
Cornwallis and a dinner to General Lincoln. Lord Cornwallis. in- 
formed that the latter had slept at Mr. Vanhorn's, came to take 
him by surprise; but Lincoln, getting intelligence of his design, 
retired into the woods. Lord Cornwallis, astonished not to find 
him, asked if the American General was not concealed in his 
house: " No," replied Mr. Vanhorn, bluntly. " On your honour?" 
says Cornwallis. " On my honour, and if you doubt it, here are 
the keys, you may search everywhere." " I shall take your word 
for it," said Lord Cornwallis, and asked for some breakfast; an 
hour afterwards he returned to the army. Lincoln, who was con- 
cealed at no great distance, immediately returned, and dined quietly 
with his host. 



ChastcUnx and Moylan. 113 

The acquaintance I made with Mr. Vanhorn being very prompt 
and Cordial, he conducted me to the parlour, where I found his 
wife, his three daughters, a young lady of the neighborhood, and 
two young officers. Mrs. Vanhorn is an old lady, who, from her 
countenance, her dress, and her deportment, perfectly resembled a 
picture of Vandyke. She does the honours of the table with exact- 
ness, helps every body without saying a w^ord, and the rest of the 
time is like a family portrait. Her three daughters are not amiss : 
Mrs. Moylan, the eldest, is six months advanced in her pregnancy; 
the youngest only twelve years old, but the second is marriageable. 
She appeared to be on terms of great familiarity with one of the 
young officers, who was in a very elegant undress, forming a good 
representation of an agreeable country squire ; at table he picked 
her nuts for her, and often took her hands. I imagined that he was 
an intended husband; but the other officer, with whom I had the 
opportunity of conversing as he accompanied us in the evening, 
told me that he did not believe there was any idea of marriage 
between them. I mention these trifles only to show the extreme 
liberty that prevails between the two sexes, as long as they are 
unmarried. It is no crime for a girl to embrace a young man; it 
would be a very heinous one for a married woman even to show 
a desire of pleasing. Mrs. Carter, a handsome young woman, 
whose husband is concerned in furnishing our army with provisions, 
and lives at present at Newport, told me, that going down one 
morning into her husband's office, not much decked out, but in a 
rather elegant French undress, a farmer of the Massachusetts' 
State who was there on business, seemed surprised at seeing her. 
and asked who that young lady was. On being told " Mrs. Carter." 
" Aye !" said he, loud enough for her to hear him, " A wife and a 
mother, truly, has no business to be so well dressed." 

At three o'clock I got on horseback with Colonel Moylan and 
Captain Heme, one of the young officers I had dined with. He is 
in the light cavalry and consequently in Colonel Moylan's regiment. 

At four o'clock I set out, after separating, but not without 
regret, from the good Colonel Moylan. 

Colonel Moylan made this report to General Washington then 
at New Windsor, New York: 

Philadelphia, December 7, 1780. 

Colo. Temple had waited on the Board of War & the President 
of this State; shewd them the instructions I received from your 



114 Moylan to Washington. 

Excellency respecting the 4th Regiment of Light Dragoons. The 
former could do nothing, the latter has laid the matter before the 
Assembly, individuals of which inform me they are disposed to 
do everything in their power for recruiting men and purchassing 
horses for the Regiment but the finances of the State are in so 
deplorable a condition that they do not know when they will have 
the ability to put their will in execution. It is reccomended that 
I should remain in this place until some plan can be form'd for 
this purpose. 

Washington sent this order to Moylan from New Windsor, 
8th December, 1780: 

You will be pleased to make to the Board of War as soon as 
possible, an accurate Return of the Men and Horses in your Regi- 
ment, the quantity of Cloathing, and number of Arms, Accoutre- 
ments and Furniture of every kind fit for service, and what will 
be the deficiency, estimating the strength of your Corps at the 
New Establishment. You will also make a Return of the Articles 
of Clothing and Accoutrements drawn by the Regiment since the 
1st September, 1779. The foregoing are called for by the Board 
of War, for their government, as they are directed by Congress 
to make provision for the Cavalry. 

HIS BROTHER IN SPAIN. 

John Jay, Minister to Spain, writing to Robert Morris from 
Madrid, December 18, 1780, said: 

" When you see Colonel Moylan tell him that his brother is 
here and very well. We see each other often. He formerly lived 
at Cadiz — ^but as Government ordered all the Irish to remove from 
the seaports, he was obliged with many others to quit it. It is said 
that their too great attachment to Britain occasioned this Ordi- 
nance." [N. Y. His. Soc. Coll., 1878, p. 454] 

On New Year's night, 1781, "a most general and unhappy 
mutiny took place in the Pennsylvania Line," as General Wayne 
reported the next day from Mount Kemble to Washington, that 
one-half of the men had taken part. The men angered by long 
delayed payment and their demand to be discharged as their time 
of enlistment had passed. " Their general cry is to be discharged 
and that they will again enlist and fight for America, a few 
excepted," 



Moylan to Reed. 115 

On January 4th Colonel Moylan was at Princeton from where 
he wrote President Reed at Philadelphia: 

" I joined General Wayne this day in order to give any assist- 
ance that may be in my power. As the enemy will in all probability 
come out, if the Line will act as they say they will, I shall then be 
of some service. Should your Excellency think it would be my 
duty to join my regiment or stay to see the end of this affair pray 
let me know by bearer. I think my presence at Lancaster may well 
be dispensed with, I hope you will think so." [MSS., Pa. His. Soc] 

As the mutinous soldiers were Pennsylvanians, President Reed 
went to the scene of action. He wrote to the Committee of Con- 
gress on January 9, 1781 : " I had the pleasure of meeting General 
Wayne and Colonels Butler, Stewart and Moylan who have been 
permitted to come out freely to me. They make such a report of 
the good temper of the men and their anxiety to see us that I have 
concluded to go among them. These are the only officers they 
allow to have communication with them or pass their posts." 

The revolt was satisfactorily settled after two British Spies 
sent to seduce the men to British allegiance had been hung by the 
revolting soldiers. [Penna. Arch., 2d Series, Vol. XL] 

On January 26, 1781, Colonel Moylan made this report of the 
officers of the Dragoons who belonged to Pennsylvania: 

" Return of the officers of the 4th Regt. Light Dragoons be- 
longing to the State of Pennsylvania: Col. Stephen Moylan, Capt. 
John Craig, Lt. John Sullivan, Thos. M. McCalla, Surgeon; 
William Thompson, Riding Master." 

The next day a certificate was issued from the War Office to 
the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania that they were 
Officers of the Pennsylvania Line. 

Preparations were being hastened to carry on the campaign 
of 1781 in the South where the British forces were being sent, 
causing trouble and making desolation reign. 

Washington, at New Windsor, New York, on February 26th, 
wrote General St. Clair: 

*' Congress have determined that the Pennsylvania Line, except 
Moylan's dragoons and the troops upon command to the westward, 
shall compose part of the Southern army and have directed me to 
order it to join the army in Virginia by detachments as they may 
be in readiness to march. It was essential that one of the Brigfadiers 



ii6 Moylan and Washington. 

should proceed with the first detachment. Upon Gen. Wayne 
devolves the duty." [St. Clair Papers, I, 541.] 

The Board of War, on March 13, 1781, wrote President Reed 
of Pennsylvania: 

A very considerable Time ago we ordered the Dragoons of 
Col. Moylan's Regiment to take the Guard at Lancaster of the 
Magazine & publick stores, & are at a Loss to know why our 
Orders were not complied with. The Store & Ammunition are by 
no Means so considerable as the Inhabitants represent but some 
Attention should be paid to them, & we thought we had provided 
for their Security by ordering the Guard before mentioned. We 
shall call upon the Commanding Officer to know the Reasons of 
his Failure to put our Directions into Execution. 

Colonel Moylan, from Lancaster, 22d March, 1781, reported 
to Washington: 

We get some men, but no prospects of horses or accoutrements 
yet in view. Congress have resolved that they shall be got, and there 
it rests. I will return to Philadelphia to-morrow, and if my public 
duty will not prevent it, propose bringing Mrs. Moylan from Jersey 
to this place, where I shall be happy in receiveing your Excellency's 
commands. 

My brother James has sent you a case of Claret which I de- 
liverd to the D. Q. M. G. to be forwarded — he prays your Excel- 
lency would pardon the Liberty, and accept of it, as a small mark 
of the veneration he has for your exalted character. These Sir 
are his words, which I know to be correspondant to his sentiments. 

To which General Washington made reply from New Windsor, 
4th April, 1781 : 

I have written both to the Congress and to the Board of War, 
and used every Argument to induce a speedy completion of the 
Regiments of Cavalry. They will be more than ever useful, now 
the active scene is, in a measure, transferred to the Southward. 

You will be good enough, the first opportunity you have of 
writing your brother in France, to thank him for his present of 
Claret. It has not yet come to hand. 

General St. Clair to President Reed, April 3, 1781 : 

" I have received information of great uneasiness prevailing 
among the soldiery, occasioned by the detention of their bounties 
and the non-payment of the gratuity to the re-enlisted soldiers — 
unless thev are soon made easv on those heads, it is likelv to end 



Rcphting Moylan's Regiment. 117 

in general desertion. I must mention also the case of Col. Moylan's 
regiment. The General expected to march with the detachments; 
they have not more than fifty horses fit for service, and are in want 
of every kind of equipment." [6"/. Clair Papers, I, 544.] 

On April 6th General St. Clair, to Washington from Philadel- 
phia, wrote: 

" That three battalions of 960 men were ready to march in a 
week to Yorktown. Col. Moylan's Regiment is in such a situation 
that it must be a considerable time before they can possibly move, 
having but eighty men and fifty horses fit for service, in want of 
every equipment and no money in any of the departments to pro- 
cure them." [Ibid. I, 546.] 

Washington to Congress on April 8, 1781 : 
" I wish the march of the Pennsylvania troops could be facili- 
tated and that Moylan's cavalry could be recruited, equipped and 
marched without delay; for every judicious ofiicer I have con- 
versed with from the southward, and all the representations I 
received thence, confirm me in the opinion, that great advantages 
are to be derived from a superior cavalry." [Sparks', VIII, 2.] 

Washington, from New Windsor, N. Y., i8th April, 1781, 
wrote to General Greene: 

" I have again urged Congress to recruit, equip and forward 
Moylan's Dragoons to you with despatch." [Ford's: Writings, 
IX, 221.] 

On Mav 16, 1781. General Wayne, at Lancaster, wrote Presi- 
dent Reed of Pennsylvania relative to the necessaries wanted by 
Colonel Moylan, especially cattle, to serve the detachment until it 
arrived in Virginia. 

The same day he wrote the State's Agent, Henry, at Lancaster, 
for the necessaries actually wanted for fitting out sixty horse of 
Colonel Moylan's regiment whose services to the southward are 
of the utmost importance. I wish to have the cavalry in readiness 
to take up their line of march in two weeks. 

Henry replied that it would give him great pleasure if it were 
in his power to fit out the sixty Light Dragoons, but he had ad- 
vanced a large sum of money of Pennsylvania to the United States 
and did not know when it would be repaid. He had some leather 
belonging to the United States which would furnish leathery 
accoutrement for the sixty dragoons if the President of the Council 



ii8 A "Run-ill" with the Guard. 

would order the leather to be made up, which could be done in two 
or three weeks — the United States to pay for the workmanship. 

On May 19th the Board of War asked President Reed to give 
the order to provide the accoutrements to Moylan's Horse. All 
money advanced out of the State treasury be charged to the United 
States. [Pa. Ar., I, 9, 139.] 

That day an " unhappy affair" occurred at the Lancaster Camp 
which was reported by Colonel Adam Hubley to President Reed, 
May 21, 1781 : 

Necessity as well as duty obliges me to give Council a short 
narrative of an unhappy affair which happened on the 19th instant 
between the Guards and Col. Moylan's Dragoons. It appears one 
of the Dragoons for some offence which he had committed was 
put into the Gaol-house. A rescue by the Dragoons was agreed on. 
They accordingly assembled armed with Pistols and swords march'd 
to the Barracks and one more daring than the [others] stept up to 
the sentinel who previously desired him not to advance or he would 
put him to death. This however had no effect, he (the Dragoon) 
first cocking & presenting his loaded Pistol attempted to sieze the 
sentinel's arms who instantly fired & killed him. The deceas'd's 
Pistol in his falling went off also & wounded one of the militia men 
in the thigh. 

May 22d, General Weedon to Colonel Grayson : " We shall 
shortly send sixty of Moylan's horse; also 300 new recruits from 
Maryland and Delaware." [Papers Md. Line, 146.] 

LAFAYETTE. 

The Marquis de Lafayette in reporting to Washington from 
Richmond, Va., 24th May, 1781, relating the situation of affairs 
in that quarter said: "Cavalry is very necessary to us. I wish 
Lauzun's legion could come. I am sure he will like to serve with 
me; and as General Greene gave me command of the troops in 
this State, Lauzun might remain with me in Virginia; if not, 
Sheldon's dragoons might be sent. As to Moylan. I do not believe 
he will be ready before a long time." [Sparks' Corr. Rev., Ill, 
p. 322.] 

The " utmost importance" of even a portion of Moylan's com- 
mand to reinforce Lafayette in Virginia is made manifest by Gen- 
eral Weedon to Moylan from Hunter's Heights, June 8. 1781 : 



Resolutions of Congress. 119 

I am just from the Marquis' [Lafayette] camp who labors 
under every disadvantage for want of horse. He is informed 60 
of your regiment is ordered to the Southward and requested me 
to drop ^ou a line, with his compliments, well knowing that a 
knowledge of his situation would be a sufficient inducement to 
hurry you on. 

Indeed he is to be pitied. The enemy have near 400 cavalry; 
he has only 40 that can be called established dragoons ; this superi- 
ority of horse gives the enemy a decided advantage and subjects 
his parties to every evil. In short, if he is not speedily reinforced, 
they must overrun our country. 

Understanding you are in Philadelphia, I refer you to my 
friend Grayson for news. [Papers Md. Line, p. 150.] 

CONGRESS RESOLVES. 

The United States in Congress Assembled, June 12, 1781, 

Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to the State of 
Pennsylvania to raise, accoutre and equip Moylan's legionary corps 
to its full complement the men to be raised for three years unless 
sooner discharged. 

That it also be earnestly recommended to the said State imme- 
diately to raise and equip three troops of Militia Cavalry properly 
officered ; 

That the said cavalry be marched by detachments as they are 
compleated to the southern Army and the militia Cavalry dis- 
charged in proportion to the numbers enlisted into Moylan's regi- 
ment and joining the said army properly armed and accoutred. 

Colonel Moylan was at this time at West Point, New York, 
gathering his men for the southward march. On June i8th he 
reported to General Washington then at Springfield, New Jersey: 

Captain Craig is come with 38 horses and only waits for cloath- 
ing of which the men are very destitute, to proceed to Head Qrs. 
I expect the cloths down from Newboro this evening. 

The remainder of the Regiment are coming on and hope they 
will be at King's ferry or its vicinity the day after to-morrow ; if 
the enemy do not prevent us I will move on with them with all 
possible dispatch. Should we be interupted in this quarter, I will 
march them over by way of Fishkil. 

Washington writing from New Windsor, 27th June, 1781, to 
Major Tallmadge of the 2d Regiment of Dragoons : 



I20 Going South. 

" Colonel Moylan's Regiment is on its way to join you, which 
will render the duty easier and your troops there more respectable." 
[Sparks' W., VI, p. 278.] 

A roster of the Field and Staff Officers of Moylan's Regiment, 
July 3, 1781, may be read in Pennsylvania Archives, 5th Series, Vol. 
Ill, pp. 835-51, and of Non-Commissioned Officers, 1781-1783. 

To Dr. James McHenry, Aide-de-Camp and Secretary to 
Washington, Colonel Moylan wrote on 5th July, 1780: 

" It is his Excellency's desire that I should post my Regiment 
near the rear of the army at a place calculated to afford a suffi- 
ciency of Forage. I have been from the right to the left of the 
army, in its front and in its rear, and can assure you, that except 
I was to crowd in upon the ground occupied by Major Lee's Corps, 
or get upon Pumpton plains I do not know a place where a Regt. 
of horse could subsist themselves in the Rear or Right. The 4th is- 
at present at the little Falls and shall be glad to know whether I 
shall move them to, for I assure you I know not, except I get upon 
the road leading to Morristown. There's good ground about two 
miles to the Left of Head Quarters." 

MOYLAN GOING TO THE SOUTHWARD. 

Colonel Stephen Moylan to President Reed. Lancaster. lotb 
July, 1781 : 

The Detachment from the 4th Regt. which will leave this to- 
morrow takes off all the Subaltern officers except two. Recruits 
are daily coming in, and in a short time, as the Last act for recruit- 
ing the Line comes to operate, many more may be expected ; it 
will therefore be absolutely necessary that more Subalterns should 
be appointed to that Regiment. 

President Reed replied to the request for the appointment of 
the Lieutenants, saying: 

Upon looking over the Arrangement printed last Winter we 
find the number of officers amount to 15, By the Accounts we have 
of the strength of the Regimt. it is stated to us at 80; We would 
therefore wish you to consider whether it will not be most con- 
ducive to the public Good to defer the appointment of new officers 
till the Regiment is- farther compleated. 

MOYLAN " TAKES A POST IN FRONT." 

The army moved Southward and by the close of the month 
were in Virginia. 



Yorktozvn. 121 

Colonel James McHenry, Aide-de-Camp to LaFayette and 
afterwards Secretary of War in the administrations of Washington 
and Adams, relates under date of July 30, 1781, that " General 
Wayne and General Morgan are at Good's bridge on the South 
side of the James River. Col. Moylan and one regiment of light 
infantry will cross to-day to take a post in front, the militia and 
the remainder of the infantry on this side." [Life, p. 39.] 

On October i, 1781, Moylan's Dragoons were at Williams- 
burg, Virginia. 

YORKTOWN. 

From "Camp before York, 8th Octr.. 1781." Washington 
issued this order to Moylan : 

There being an absolute necessity for reinforcing General 
Greene with Cavalry as expeditiously as possible, you will imme- 
diately collect all the Men and Horses of the 4th Regiment and 
report to me the Articles of Clothing of which you stand in need 
that I may endeavour to furnish you out of a few things (though 
not of the proper kind for Dragoons) which are coming from the 
Head of Elk. 

In the Order of Battle of Yorktown the first or Right Division 
was : ( I ) Pennsylvania Volunteers Battalion of Riflemen under 
Major William Parr; (2) Fourth Regiment Continental Light 
Dragoons, Colonel Stephen Moylan. [Mag. Am. His., Oct., 1881.] 

So it will be seen Moylan's command had a very honorable, 
though dangerous position. T.ord Cornwallis, besieged at York- 
town, surrendered on October 19th. The captive army moved with 
grace and precision. Universal silence was observed amidst the 
vast concourse, and the utmost decency prevailed : exhibiting in 
demeanor an awful sense of the vicissitudes of human fortune, 
mingled with commiseration for the unhappy. [Lee's Memoirs, 
512.] 

moylan's dragoons. 

(Supposed to be sung in honor of Moylan's Dragoons, after the sur- 
render of Cornwallis, at Yorktown, in 1781.) 

By Thomas D'Arcy M"Gee. 

Furl up the banner of the brave, 

And bear it gently home, 
Through stormy scenes no more to wave, 

For now the calm has come. 



122 Moylan's Men in Song. 

Through showering grape and drifting death 

It floated ever true ; 
And by the signs upon our path, 

Men knew what troop went through. 

Our flag first flew o'er Boston free, 

When Graves's fleet groped out: 
On Stony Point, reconquered, we 

Unfurled it with a shout; 
At Trenton, Monmouth, Germantown, 

Our sabres were not slack; 
Like lightning, next, to Charleston 

We scourged the British back. 

And here at Yorktown now they yield. 

And our career is o'er. 
No more thou'lt flutter o'er the field. 

Flag of the brave ! — no more. 
The Redcoats yield them to " the Line" ; 

Both sides have changed their tunes. 
To peace the Congress doth incline ; 

And so do we Dragoons. 

Furl up the banner of the brave. 

And bear it gently home ; 
No more o'er Moylan's march to wave. 

Lodge it in Moylan's home. 
There Butler, Hand and Wayne, perchance. 

May tell of battles brave, 
And the old flag on its splintered lance 

Above their heads shall wave. 

Hurrah, then, for the Schuylkill side — 

Its pleasant, woody dells ! 
Old Ulster well may warm with pride 

When each his story tells. 
Comrades, farewell ! May Heaven bestow 

On you its richest boons ! 
So let us drink before we go. 

To Moylan's brave Dragoons I 

Poets are not historians. What " flag" Moylan's Dragoons 
had is unknown. Strange as it may now seem the Stars and Stripes 
was not usually borne by the Army. The only Stars and Stripes 
carried by a Revolutionary Regiment now preserved is that of the 
Third Maryland Regiment now at the Capitol at Annapolis, 

The poet speaks of '' Old Ulster" as if " Butler, Hand and 
Wavne" and also Movlan were born in that Province of Ireland. 



Orders to Join Greene. 123 

Butler was born in Dublin ; Hand in King's County ; Wayne in 
Chester County, Pennsylvania, and Moylan in Cork. Old " Ire- 
land" might the better be used than " Ulster." 

On October 26th Washington issued this order to Colonel 
Moylan : 

MOYLAN ORDERED TO JOIN GREENE. 

Out of the captured Horses and Accoutrements, and such 
others as belong to the public, and are to be obtained, you are to 
equip the first, third and fourth Regiments of Cavalry and Colonel 
Armand's Corps, and prepare the whole, with as much expedition 
as possible, for a march to reinforce the Army under the command 
of Major-General Greene. 

On October 31st Moylan was ordered by Washington: 

JOINS ST. CLAIR. 

In addition to my Orders of the 26th, I have to desire that 
you will prepare as large a Body of Horse as you possibly can, 
and join (at such time and place as Major Genl. St. Clair shall 
appoint) the detachment which he is marching to the Southward. 
In this I do not mean to include Colonel Armand's Partisan Corps, 
as it will have a particular place of rendezvous assigned it. But 
the Infantry of the first, third and fourth Regiments are to be 
comprehended. 

Such Officers belonging to these Regiments respectively, as 
you shall conceive necessary, may be left to take charge of and 
forward on the residue of the Corps, the Invalids, Sick and neces- 
saries appertaining to each. A good and active Officer of Rank 
should have the general direction of the whole to prevent con- 
fusion, delay, and that misapplication of time and means, which, 
unhappily, are but too often met with in our Service. 

Though in command of three " Regiments" of Cavalry and of 
the infantry attached to each, the report of Colonel Moylan shows 
the skeleton condition of the bodies designated " Regiments" which 
Moylan was to command in the army of General Greene. He 
reported to Washington from the Camp, November i, 1781 : 

MOYLAn's " REGIMENT." 

It is my duty to lay before your Excellency the situation of 
my Regiment. It consists of three field officers, six Captains and 
five Lieutenants. They have 94 men to command. 



124 Only p4 Left. 

One field officer, one Capt. & two Lieutenants with 40 men are 
gone to Carolina, the remainder are taking care of some of those 
captured horses which will not be fit for service these four months — 
if ever. Pensilvania, to which the Regt. belongs have hitherto 
done nothing for it. A Letter from your Excellency to the execu- 
tive power of that State on this subject must be of great service, 
and if I was permitted to be the bearer of it, I think the Regt. may 
yet be on a respectable footing. I have many reasons for request- 
ing this favor, the principal one is, that my health at this time is 
very bad indeed. A flushed face gives me the appearance of health, 
whilst an inward fever and an obstinate Dissentry is preying on 
my vitals. Added to these a total loss of appetite; such is my 
condition with respect to health. Perhaps the northern climate may 
restore it. Should that be the case you may be assur'd Sir, I shall 
loose no time in joining the Southern Army. 

Col. Armand has got all the horses but 45. Col. White & Col. 
Baylor divide the arms & accoutrements, according to the strength 
of their Regiments. I have sufficient for my men, at Lancaster, 
which can be got to the detachment long before the horses can be 
fit to march. I have not yet got the returns; when I do the Qr. 
Mr. Genl. shall be furnished with them. Pistols & bridles are very 
defficient, however I think 200 horse can march with General 
St. Clair. 

To which Washington replied the same day: 

Your letter expressing your desire to return to Philadelphia 
with a view of engaging the Executive of Pennsylvania to exert 
themselves in favour of this part of their Quota. 

I cannot conceal from you. Sir, that it is with pain I see my 
Instructions answered by applications of this kind. The Journey 
to Philadelphia I am so well persuaded will be fruitless as to the 
principal object that the trouble and expense of it ought to be 
avoided. The additional motive of ill health, if your indisposition 
is of a nature so serious as to incapacitate you for service, is one 
of those necessities that must be conclusive. 

The following day Washington's Secretary wrote Colonel 
Moylan : 

moylan's ill health. 

" In consideration of your Health, he consents to your going 
to Philadelphia, where you are to use your endeavours for placing 



Moylan III. 12s 

your Regiment in the best state for Service. If any recommenda- 
tion from him will be of service, he is willing to second your appli- 
cation, although he has but little hope of success from that Quarter. 

" Before your departure the General wishes you to see every 
arrangement made that is necessary for the Cavalry moving on to 
the Southward as expeditiously as possible." 

To which Moylan answered: 

Camp, November 3, 1781. 

Please to make my acknowledgement to his Excellency, for 
his kind consideration of the state of my health and let him know 
that I do not mean to leave this State, until I find every thing en 
train which can contribute to the forwarding as many horse as 
possible with General St. Clair. I shall go this day to Williams- 
burg on my way to Petersburg (the latter place is the rendezvous 
for the Cavalry). I wish the General would give a Letter to the 
Executive of Pennsylvania respecting the 4th Regt. L. D., it may 
be of great service, and can have no ill consequences, I will call at 
Head Qrs. before I set off, and be glad to take it along with me. 

WASHINGTON AND THE FRIENDLY SONS OF ST. PATRICK. 

Colonel Moylan came to Philadelphia. He was present at the 
December meeting of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick when " His 
Excellency General Washington was unanimously Adopted a mem- 
ber of this Society," records the Minutes. It was ordered that the 
Medal of the Society be presented to Washington and that he " and 
his Suit be invited to an Entertainment to be prepared & given him 
at the City Tavern on Tuesday, the first of January," to which were 
invited " the President of the State & of Congress, the Minister of 
France, Mr. Marbois, Mr. Otto, the Chief Justice, the Speaker of 
the House of Assembly, Mr. Francisco Rendon, Mr. Holker, Count 
de la Touche Sz: Count Dillon with all the General Officers that may 
be in the City." 

So on New Year's Day, 1782, the extra meeting was held. 
The Generals present were Washington, Lincoln, Steuben, Howe, 
IMoultine, Knox, Hand, Mcintosh. There were twenty-one guests 
and thirty-five members present, but Colonel Moylan was not in 
attendance. He was at the St. Patrick's Day dinner, however. 

Where now is the medal of The Friendly Sons which was 
presented Washington? 

When General St. Clair arrived at Washington's camp, Gen- 



126 Moylan Leaves His Dragoons. 

eral Wayne was ordered, on January 4, 1782, to Georgia, having 
under him Lieutenant-Colonel White, who had lately joined the 
army with one hundred Light Horse, the remains of Moylan's 
regiment of dragoons. Wayne proceeded without delay and in a 
few days crossed the Savannah River at the Two Sisters Ferry. 
The immediate object of this motion into Georgia was to protect 
the country from the incursions of the British at Savannah and to 
establish the authority of the United States. [Lee's Memoirs, 

p. 539-] 

But with the further movements of this army and its remnant 

of Moylan's Dragoons we are not concerned, as Moylan was not in 

command of the men who had so long followed him. 

On June 13, 1782, General Gist was appointed by General 
Greene commander of all the Light Troops. The cavalry of Lee's 
Legion, " the Third Regiment" and Moylan's Fourth Regiment 
being placed in command of Colonel Baylor. [Ibid, 552.] 

In October, 1780, Captain B. Edgar Joel made charge against 
Major-General Robert Howe, who had been engaged in the 
defense of Georgia against the British, that he had sacrificed 
Savannah, December 29, 1778. On October i8th the Board of 
War referred the charges to General Washington, then at Passaic 
Falls, New Jersey. The operations of the army debarred trial until 
a Court-Martial, over which Baron Steuben presided, was held at 
Philadelphia on December 6, 1781. Colonel Moylan was a mem- 
ber of the Court. He served until January 3, 1782, 

General Howe was " acquitted with the highest honor." 

There were two Howes in the British service in America — 
Sir William Howe and Viscount Richard Howe. 

After the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, military opera- 
tions practically ceased on both sides. The projected campaign in 
the South did not take place, so Colonel Moylan was not called 
into service. He remained at Philadelphia. The annexed docu- 
ment attests his presence there while Washington was at Newburg, 
New York, pending the consideration of Articles of Peace. Sec- 
retary Tilghman was the writer on 20th September, 1782 : 

Sergeant Morris of your Regiment has applied to His Excel- 
lency for a discharge upon procuring another Man in his Room. 
This is a practice that His Excellency would not wish to tolerate, 
but as Morris seemed much discontented, and is of ability to do 
mischief in the Corps, by stirring them up, by a frequent recapitu- 



Moylan's Resentment. 127 

lation of their grievances, he thinks it best to get rid of him upon 
the terms he offers. You will therefore give Orders to the Com- 
manding Officer at the place of rendezvous to discharge him upon 
procuring an able bodied and otherwise good Man in his stead. 

Though the army was inactive awaiting the terms of peace, 
consolidation arrangements were being perfected so as to make the 
force more concentrated for service, if needed. 

Colonel Moylan's concern at the possibility of having his com- 
mand taken from him by the measures projected is shown in his 
letter to Washington: 

MOYLAN " A MAN WHO HAS SACRIFICED EVERYTHING FOR THE SER- 
VICES OF HIS COUNTRY." 

Philadelphia, December 15, 1782. 

The Minister of War informing me he intended paying a visit 
to your Excellency on the subject of the new arrangement, I take 
the liberty of communicating what past between us, respecting the 
4th Regiment of Light Dragoons. 

By the returns it appears, that Regt. is reduced to two Troops, 
one mounted, the other not. These are to be commanded by one 
Field Officer two Captains & the proper number of Subalterns. 
General Lincoln says that he supposes a Major will be appointed 
to this command, in which case, after eight years service I shall be 
laid aside. This command tho inadequate to my rank would be 
more agreeable — for when the Army is in the field, that objection 
would be removed, and being the oldest in the Line of Cavalry I 
am thought to believe, that the senior in each Line have it in their 
option, to continue in service or not, as they choose. 

In this Line there is not a Field Officer (myself excepted) that 
belongs to the State of Pensilvania, tho I dare say, they will be 
perfectly satisfied with what your Excellency may determine on; 
it is very natural to suppose that they would prefer an officer of 
their State, to that of another to command their own Troops. 

I have made application to the Executive power of this State, 
who promised me all their influence towards completing the 4th 
Regt. 

I mentioned this circumstance to the Minister of War; he 
told me Congress did not wish to increase the Cavalry — which has 
put a stop to any farther proceedings of mine in that business. 



128 Washington to Moylan. 

When I entered the service — which was early in the first year 
of the war — I did it with a firm determination of prosecuting it to 
the end. I had made up my mind, and my affairs for that purpose. 
I have shared its fatigues, its dangers and its pleasures, with your 
Excellency ever since — should I be now left out, I shall be very 
much disapointed and very much distressed. General Lincoln in- 
forms me, it will depend upon you to officer the Corps. I am sure 
you will do it, in the manner which will appear to your Excellency 
most consistant with rectitude. From the polite and friendly atten- 
tion I have allways experienced from you — I have expectations, 
that you will retain in the Army a man who has sacrificed every- 
thing for the service of his Country. 

Should there be anything inconsistant with the new plan of 
arrangement by my remaining in the Line I now serve in, it may 
be in your Excellency's power to find other employment for me, 
if such should offer near your own person, it would be very pleasing 
to me. 

To this Washington made reply on December 25, 1782: 

Washington's Christmas message to moylan. 

I have been favoured with the receipt of your Letter of the 
15th Instant, concerning the reduction of your Regiment, and have 
conversed with the Secretary at War on the subject. That Gentle- 
man (on whose determination will depend the particular modes to 
be adopted in the reformation of the Lines not serving immediately 
under my Orders) has gone to the Eastward, without deciding any 
thing positively as to the reduction of the Cavalry. However, it 
appears to me, to be his prevailing opinion that as your Legion 
could not remain entire, but must be reduced to the broken part 
of a Corps, it would be best to annex the company of Infantry as a 
Flank Company to one of the three Regiments of Penns3dvania 
Line, still allowing the Officers and Men the pay and Emoluments 
they formerly enjoyed. Should this be the case, or at any rate, 
I imagine the remainder of the Legion will soon be too small a 
command for even a single Field Officer of any grade. 

But as nothing can be ultimately determined upon before the 
return of General Lincoln, and as some event may happen or in- 
telligence arrive in the mean time, which will lead to an alteration 
in the Plan of arrangement, I thought it expedient to take the first 
opportunity to advise you of these particulars and to assure you 



"Laid Aside." 129 

(whatever the circumstances of the pubUc or the service may 
eventually require) of my unalterable Esteem and Regard. 
General St. Clair to President Dickinson of Pennsylvania : 

Philadelphia, February 10. 1783. 

I enclose an arrangement of the fourth Regiment of light 
Dragoons and Colonel Moylan's Return. The Return did not come 
to my Hands untill this Day, for want of which, and some Knowl- 
edge of the Intentions of Major Fauntleroy the arrangement has 
been delayed, it must however be supposed to have taken place 
upon the first of January, and I have dated it accordingly — that 
Corps will consist of two Troops one mounted and one dismounted. 

General St. Clair continued that Major Fauntleroy if "in 
service on the first of January, is of course continued in the com- 
mand of the two troops," but as he had been long absent and " it is 
even doubtful whether he has not resigned, and had been guilty of 
neglect if not contempt in having on a former occasion gone away 
contrary to orders," General St. Clair concluded the office should 
be considered vacant. 

So " after eight years service" General Moylan was " laid 
aside." 

MUTINY. 

On April 19, 1783, Washington issued an order declaring " a 
cessation of hostilities" and advising " the Patriot Army to retire 
from the military theatre with the same approbation of angels and 
men which has crowned all their former virtuous actions." The 
army was disbanded eight years to a day after the Revolution had 
begun. But the army had not been paid. Some parts not for years. 
Washington's suggestion that those enlisted for the war should be 
allowed to retain their arms and accoutrements was sanctioned by 
Congress. In May it allowed him to grant furloughs or discharges 
while awaiting settlement of accounts and securing of funds. 
Within two months most of the soldiers had gone home and without 
being paid. A body of Pennsylvanians, enlisted as late as Novem- 
ber, 1782, and stationed at Lancaster and Philadelphia, mutinied 
and marched to the State House in Philadelphia where Congress 
was in session demanding that justice be done them within " twenty 
minutes," threatening to " let in these injured soldiers upon you." 
They seized the magazine. The mutiny continued a week. An 
account of it may be read in Scharf & Westcott's History of Phila- 



130 Mutiny. 

delphia, Vol. I ; Hatch's Administration of the Revolutionary Army, 
Chap. IX, and other publications. 

Congress removed to Princeton on account of this mutiny. 

moylan's mutineers. 

Our concern is with Moylan's Dragoons who were concerned 
in this revolt. We have seen how Colonel Moylan procured a 
Lieutenancy for John Sullivan, newly arrived, and had him credited 
to Pennsylvania's quota. He was one of the Committee of the 
Mutineers threatening Congress. A rumor that Washington, with 
a body of three-year men, retained until the British would evacuate 
New York, and the New Jersey Militia, were coming to the pro- 
tection of Congress caused the mutineers to submit. Their com- 
mitteemen made flight. Sullivan and a fellow-member. Captain 
Henry Carberry of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment reached 
Chester and from there wrote the third : " Consult your own safety ; 
we cannot get to you." They embarked for England. [Hatch: 
A dm. Rev. Army, 186.] 

Sullivan's defense. 

On June 26, 1783, Sullivan, from Chester, wrote Colonel 
Moylan : 

'' Do not blame me. The success of every enterprise generally 
demonstrates it right or wrong. Had not the soldiers betrayed us, 
we should have carried our point or perrished in the attempt." 

On June 30th he wrote from " The Cape" : 

" If a consciousness of Rectitude can be a consolation to men 
in Adversity, be assured our Spirits are far superior to our circum- 
stances and I am Confident that none but persons accustomed to 
judge of things by the event will reprobate our conduct. The little 
prospect of succeeding in such an attempt and the difficulties we 
had to encounter were so great, that [not] to have been confident 
of success would have proved us to be as destitute of prescience as 
of common sense. But a series of injuries and the incessant in- 
dignities we experienced were our sole inducements for prosecuting 
the plan at all risks. I am not ignorant of the sentiments of the 
men in power in respect to the army and the ideas they entertain of 
the passiveness of the officers. Those circumstances determined 
us to convince them we had a just and right sense of our wrongs 

and were not callous to ill treatment. It little what appear- 

ences may assume to veil Injustice but its a duty encumbent 



Sullivan's Defense. 131 

on honest men, by investigating the principles of policy not to 

submit to the imposition. Actuated by the present motives of 
patriotism and disinterestedness. I abandoned my dearest conces- 
sions (?) at a tender age to fight under American colours at a 
critical period and when affairs were equally balanced. For my 
conduct in the army either as a Soldier or a gentleman, I appeal 
to the officers in general and you in particular to decide on. I 
flatter myself you will not suppose that my attachment for this 
Country is diminished in the most trivial degree. I ever had an 
innate affection for America and were she on the verge of ruin, 
I would come and perish with her. Let what bad men there are at 
the helm of Government observe from this instance how dangerous 
it is to drive men of honor to desperation. The person concerned 
wnth me is Capt. Carberry. This Young Gentleman served with 
eclat in the Army, bled and spent a pretty fortune in the service 
of his country. I have requested Capt. Than [ ?] to be punctual in 
paying what triffling debts I owe and have requested your Brother 
John to draw on my father if necessary. 

" We are wafted along by a gentle and generous gale and 
possess the most perfect tranquility of mind conscious of no un- 
worthy actions, all we regret is failing in a noble attempt. 
" ' And more true joy Marcellus exiled feels, 
Than Caesar with a Senate at his heels.' 

" Adieu, my dear Colonel, be convinced I have just sense and 
want words to express my gratitude for the peculiar mark of favor 
and affection you have confered on me." 

These letters of Lieutenant Sullivan are " copies from memory" 
among the Papers of Ben Franklin, in the American Philosophical 
Society. Philadelphia. 

How did they get there? Why? 

Though Sullivan and Carberry had escaped, the other officers 
concerned were Court-martialed but acquitted. Several of the 
soldiers were convicted and sentenced to death but when ready for 
execution were reprieved. 

BRIGADIER-GENERAL. 

On November 3, 1783. Congress Resolved that Colonel Stephen 
Moylan be promoted to the rank of Brigadier by brevet. 

The Roster of " Moylan's Dragoons" at this time may be read 
in Pennsylvania in the Revolution, Vol. II, p. 140. 



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GENERAL MOYLAN'S COMMISSION 



Visits Washi)igton. 133 

VISITS GENERAL WASHINGTON. 

In the Washington Manuscripts in the Library of Congress is 
a letter from General Moylan. dated Alexandria, May 16, 1785, 
saying : 

" On looking over the money you favored me with, I found a 
quarter of a dollar over, which Col. FitzGerald will be kind enough 
to return to you. 

" Permit me to return you my sincere thanks for the polite 
attentions which Mrs. Moylan and myself received from you & your 
good Lady during our agreeable sojourn at Mount Vernon. You 
may be assured it will be long remembered with pleasure." 

In 1792 General Moylan was a resident of Goshen Township, 
Chester County, Pa., on a farm near West Chester. 

On April 7, 1792, he was appointed Register and Recorder of , 
Chester County to succeed Persifer Frazier. deceased. He held 
these offices until December 13, 1793, when he was succeeded by 
Colonel John Hannum. 

On March 20, 1793, Colonel Hannum gave ground upon which 
St. Agnes's Church, West Chester, is built. General Moylan of ) 
Goshen Township was one of the Trustees of the church. 

MAJOR-GENERAL OF MILITIA. 

In May. 1793, Governor Mifflin of Pennsylvania appointed 
General Moylan " Major-General of the Division composed of 
Chester and Delaware Counties." He accepted it at West Chester, 
May 25th, " with more pleasure as it is a further mark of your 
friendly attention to me," he wrote the Governor. 

OFFERED THE MARSHALSHIP. 

Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State under President Wash- 
ingfton, sent the following communication to General Moylan: 

Philadelphia, September 13, 1793. 
Sir:^ 

The President, on his departure, left in my hands a commission 
for a Marshal of this district with a blank for the name to be in- 
serted. It was his wish that your's should be inserted if you should 
think the office would suit you. I must ask the favor of you to say 
whether you would accept of the commission, and to do it in a 
letter to Mr. Benjamin Bankson at my office, as I set out for Vir- 



134 Offered a Marsliahliip. 

ginia within two or three days. Should you dechne it I must still 
ask you to notify it to him, that he may proceed to follow the in- 
structions given him in that case. The office will be vacant on the 
20th inst. by the resignation of Col. Biddle, and I can with truth 
express the satisfaction it would give me personally to have it 
filled again by a person to whose merits I am less a stranger than 
to his person. I am with great respect, Sir 

Your most obedt. servt., 

Th. Jefferson-. 
Genl. Moylan. 

[Jefferson Papers, Series i, Vol. 5, p. 378.] 

Mr. Bankson, on September 24th, wrote Moylan: 

Not hearing from you am fearful lest the letter may have mis- 
carried. I have therefore judged it expedient to forward this by an 
Express, as it is of importance that your acceptance or non-accept- 
ance should be known as soon as possible. Please advise me of this 
by the return of the Express. [Ibid, 388.] 

[Jefferson Papers. Series i. Vol. V, p. 388.] 

General Moylan must have declined but no " letter of declina- 
tion" is to be found in the Department of State. David Lenox was 
later offered the position. [Ibid, 389.] 

On December 3d President Washington appointed General 
Moylan Commissioner of Loans. 

HIS COMMISSION. 

This is a copy of the Commission of General Moylan : 

Treasury DEPART^[ENT, 

December 9, 1793. 
Sir: — 

The President of the United States having been pleased to 
appoint you to the office of Commissioner of Loans in the State of 
Pennsylvania, you will herewith receive your Commission. I 
request that you will as speedily as possible enter upon the execution 
of the office. 

I am. Sir, with esteem, Your obedient Servant, 

A. Hamilton. 



The Last President of the Friendly Sous. 135 

THE LAST PRESIDENT OF THE FRIENDLY SONS. 

On St. Patrick's Day, 1796, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick 
of Philadelphia met at the house of Samuel Richardet. Twenty 
-members were present. " General Stephen Moylan was unani- 
mously elected President and Thomas FitzSimons, Esq.. was elected 
Vice-President," is the record and the last known Minute of the 
Society. But that the Friendly Sons continued to exist is proven 
by the will of Michael Morgan O'Brien, made September 2. 1803, 
wherein he bequeathed to his nephew, James Roland, residing on 
the Island of Dominica in the West Indies a " gold medal which was 
-struck for the members of a Society known by the name of the 
Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and of which Society General IMoylan 
is President for the present year." 

When the Society became extinct is not known. Its heir and 
successor by merging and possession of the original records of the 
Society is "The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick for the Relief of 
Emigrants from Ireland." It was organized in 1793 under the title 
of The Hibernian Society for the Relief of Emigrants from Ireland, 
but a few years ago altered its title to the present. It preserves the 
"best traditions of the old Society and amply fulfills the mission of 
its own foundation, the relief of needy emigrants from Ireland. 
While its quarterly meetings maintain that spirit of fellowship the 
foundation of the organization of 1771 whereby those of Irish birth 
or descent, irrespective of political or religious beliefs unite in good 
will and with brotherly regard for each other, welded into " one 
harmonious whole," to uphold the honor of the Race and to per- 
petuate the memory of all of the old land who have been helpful 
in the material or social building of our State and Nation. May it 
■ continue so to do. 

MOYLAN's RESIDENCE AND OFFICE. 

In 1796 General IMoylan moved to Northeast Corner of Fourth 
•and Walnut. It had been occupied by Mrs. Payne, with whom 
James Madison, while a Representative in Congress from Virginia, 
had lodged. He married Dolly, the daughter of his landlady and 
so seems to have become manager of the property. It was by him 
leased to General Moylan who, as tenant, made repairs, deducting 
■expense from rental, to which Mr. Madison objected. 

On May 9. 1796 General ]\Ioylan wrote Mr. Madison that " the 




HOME AND OFFICE OF GENERAL MOYLAN, 1796-1810 



Death of Moylaii. I37 

room now occupied as an office has undergone no alteration" and 
if " applied to any other purpose it would need repairs." 

HORACE BINNEY. 

In a deposition made in i860, Horace Binney, the distinguished 
Philadelphia lawyer, declared: 

" In the spring of the year 1806 I began to occupy a house on 
the south side of Walnut St., the first door east of Fourth St. At 
that time Colonel Stephen Moylan lived nearly opposite to my resi- 
dence at the North East corner of Fourth and Walnut Streets. He 
was then Commissioner of Loans of the United States and kept 
his office in the same house and was frequently called General 
Moylan. I knew him pretty well." 

DEATH OF GENERAL MOYLAN. 

On April 13, 181 1. General Moylan died. He was buried the 
next day. The American Daily Advertiser of Tuesday, April 16, 
181 1, had this obituary: 

" Died on Saturday morning last, in the 74th year of his age, 
after a lingering illness. General Stephen Moylan of this City, Com- 
missioner of Loans for the City of Philadelphia. He served with 
distinction in the American army during the whole of the Revolu- 
tionary War, and few of his illustrious associates enjoyed a larger 
share of the favor and friendship of the Commander-in-Chief, than 
which a more decisive proof could not be adduced of the elevation 
of his character and the merit of his services. General Moylan 
displayed, uniformly, in his domestic and social relations those 
virtues of the heart which shed most lustre and happiness over 
private life. The singular tenderness of his nature, the active 
benevolence of his feelings, the candour and uprightness and gen- 
erosity of his disposition, the mildness and urbanity of his manners, 
attached to him by the strongest ties of affection and respect not 
only the members of his own family, but all those who formed the 
numerous circle of his friends. His remains were on Sunday in- 
terred in the burial ground of the Catholic Church of St. Mary's, 
and attended by his brethren of the Cincinnati and the body of his 
private relatives and particular acquaintances." 

General Moylan's death has heretofore been stated as of 
April nth, and such is the record at the Treasury Department at 
Washington. But by the Advertiser's obituary it will be seen that 
" Saturday last" was April 13th. 



138 Death of Moylan. 

He made no will. His estate, valued at $800, was administered 
to by his half-brother, Jasper IMoylan [Adm. Book K, p. 424] to 
whom letters of Administration were given May nth, Jared Inger- 
soil and John Hallowell, Counsellors-at-Law, being the sureties. 

Though General Moylan was buried in St. Mary's graveyard, 
the location of his grave is not known even to his descendants. 
The compiler in 1876 gave special attention to the quest but with- 
out satisfactory results. The General's daughter was then alive 
and a resident of Baltimore. On interview with her by Mr. Patrick 
Moylan a resident of that city, but not a relation, Mrs. Lansdale 
stated that a head and footstone had been erected at the General's 
grave but the stones had been removed when a general order for 
the removal of all stones had been given. There is an error about 
the removal of all stones, as many stones yet standing show. 
Whether so marked or not the grave is not now known. 

Until 1810 General Moylan lived at Northeast Corner of 
Fourth and Walnut. In that year he moved to No. 230 [now 618] 
Spruce Street where he died, April 13, 181 1. 

The Public Ledger of Philadelphia, August 16, 1908, gave an 
illustration of the house, saying: "The dwelling having been mod- 
ernized looks very little like the house in which the soldier died. 
The principal difference is to be found in the entrance. Originally 
there was what was regarded as an ornate doorway of wood. The 
eaves and cornice bore traces of the colonial adaptation of the Greek 
ornamentation." The house was newly built and General Moylan, 
most probably, was its first occupant. The Ledger continues: 

" The war history of General Moylan was not so dramatic or 
spectacular as that of some of the more popular heroes, but he was 
regarded as one of the officers upon whom reliance could be put, 
both as a man and as a soldier." 

A writer in Dawson's Historical Magasiuc, July, 1861, said: 
" General Moylan was emphatically a gentleman of the old school ; 
he was remarkable for his hospitality. Having two daughters, one 
of whom was very fascinating, his house attracted many young 
persons." 

There is no known portrait of General IMoylan. Family tradi- 
tion is that one was in the Peale IMuseum when destroyed by fire. 

Previous to i860 a claim for money due General Moylan by 
the Government was presented in several Sessions of Congress. 



Death of Moylan. 139 

A Bill to reimburse his heirs passed one House more than once but 
never both. Finally the effort was abandoned. 

John Pope Hodnett in speech before Senate Committee on 
Labor and Education, May 1886, said: 

" There goes Moylan on his prancing steed, 
Always ready whenever the need; 
With his prancing chargers and his green plume, 
Driving the enemy to eternal doom." 

Poets are not Historians. Moylan did not wear " a green 
plume." 

Moylan, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, is named in honor of 
the General. 

Such is a compact and yet very complete recital of the career 
of General Stephen Moylan, Washington's friend and compatriot 
who sacrificed all for his country. To those of his race and 
Faith the record herewith presented, mainly from official sources, 
is commended as an inspirative source for presenting him in spirit- 
arousing sentiments to American citizens, little aware of the extent 
and import of the services of this Irish and Catholic native of 
Cork in old and famed Ireland, which has given to our Country 
so many of its illustrious men. 

That but his name is known to his own is a discredit which 
it is hoped this account of his career will remove. His services 
were most helpful in winning the Liberty and Independence of our 
Country. 

The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Philadelphia might well 
erect a memorial of so illustrious an American as the first and last 
President of the original Society. 

It is an obligation of paramount importance that acknowledg- 
ment be recorded of the aid given to the compiler by Mr. Charles 
H. Walsh of Washington, D. C, a great-grandson of Jasper Moylan. 
The copies of great bulk of the documents used in this work which 
are now in the Library of Congress were given us by Mr. Walsh. 

To General Moylan's great-grandson. J. Moylan Lansdale, 
Esq., of Philadelphia, our appreciation of his help is also freely 
acknowledged. 



140 James Moylan. 

THE MOYLANS IN THE REVOLUTION. 

In addition to General Stephen Moylan his brothers James 
and John and his half-brother Jasper are worthy of recognition as 
Irish Catholics who did efficient service during the American Revo- 
lution. 

JAMES MOYLAN COMMERCIAL AGENT AT l'oRIENT, 

James was a resident of Philadelphia as early as 1771. On 
June 17th of that year he was present at the quarterly dinner of 
The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick as a " Visitor" and at that meet- 
ing was elected a member. This indicates his recent arrival in 
the City. 

On St. Patrick's Day, 1775, he is recorded as " Beyond Sea." 
He had gone to France. Here he became helpful to the American 
cause and when Franklin, Deane and Lee were there as Commis- 
sioners of the United States, Lee " thought him a capable and 
deserving man" to act as Commercial Agent at L'Orient. 

Moylan formed a partnership with Gourlade a French mer- 
chant. This firm acted as Prize Agents for American vessels and 
also fitted out the " Ranger" under John Paul Jones, and the 
" Alliance" under Captains Pierre Landais and John Barry as well 
as other American cruisers and supply vessels. 

He it was who obtained the French vessel the " Duras" for 
John Paul Jones after the " Ranger" had been taken from his 
command. The " Duras" had made three voyages to India, " there- 
fore," wrote Moylan to Jones, November 10, 1778, " I cannot 
recommend her to you for a lasting ship," but it was the only 
vessel then obtainable. So Jones replied, " She must be ours/' 
She was fitted out at the expense of the King of France, her name 
changed to the " Bonne Homme Richard" in compliment to Ben- 
jamin Franklin. In her Jones commanding an expedition of four 
French vessels and the " Alliance," an American commanded by 
the Frenchman Landais had his famous battle with the " Serapis" 
which he captured and to which he transferred the crew of the 
" Bonne Homme Richard" which soon sank. 

On March 22, 1781, General Moylan wrote Washington from 
Lancaster, Pa. : " My brother James has sent you a case of claret. 
He prays your Excellency would pardon the liberty and accept it 
as a small mark of the veneration he had for vour exalted character. 



John Moylaii, Clothier-General. 141 

These are his own words which I know correspond to his senti- 
ments." The American translator of the Travels of the Marquis 
Chastelhix says James Moylan " was singularly useful in the year 
'^777^ by managing- a treaty between the American Commissioners 
and the Farmers General of France, for an annual supply of tobacco 
from America, which he concluded, during Lord Stormont's resi- 
dence at the Court of France, and many months previous to the 
open rupture with that Court. I speak of this with personal knowl- 
edge of the fact, nor was it so secret as to have escaped the English 
Ambassador, or the vigilant Mr. Forth. There could not be a 
more direct attack on England and English claims, than this trans- 
action, which must have had the sanction of the French govern- 
ment, yet England was lulled to sleep by her Ministers, or rather 
was so infatuated as to shut her ears against the most interesting 
truths. I could say much more on this subject, but why enter into 
discussions which have long ceased to be either seasonable or 
useful? England was, literally, in the case of the Quos Deus vult 
perdere." 

The compiler hopes in the near future to present a detailed 
account of the career of this Revolutionary worthy whose services, 
though in France, were as efficacious in supporting the American 
cause as those of his military brother, Stephen, on the battlefields 
of America. 

JOHN MOYLAN, CLOTHIER-GENERAL OF WASHINGTON'S ARMY. 

John had been a merchant at Cadiz before coming to America. 
On March 22, 1781, he was appointed Clothier-General to the Army 
then at Morristown, New Jersey. 

It was a most important charge for at that time the financial 
condition of the United States was in a most deplorable state and 
the money valueless, so much that even yet it is a byword : " Not 
worth a continental." 

Yet the Clothier-General had to financier and to procure sup- 
plies. An extended account of his services it is intended to present. 
His letter to General Washington on his election to the Presidency 
may be now fitly presented : 

Philadelphia, 19th June, 1789. 
Sir: — I can no longer resist the Impulse of my feeling in thus 
congratulating you & America on the proof they have lately given 



142 Ensign Jasper Moylan. 

of their gratitude & discernment by appointing you once more to 
preside over their Interests, & in thus testifying at the same time my 
regret at having been prevented by absence in joining with my 
fellow citizens in the general Demonstrations of Joy manifested on 
the occasion as you & Mrs. Washington passed thro this city. May 
America long enjoy the advantages which her choice seems so 
happily to presage ! May you, Sir, live to witness & enjoy the 
blessings expected from an Administration begun under such favor- 
able auspices. May you long live as happy as you are beloved is 
my sincere & fervent prayer! I dare hope. Sir, that you will 
excuse on the motive which induced it the freedom of this address, 
which has at present no other view than that of paying a small 
portion of the Debt of Gratitude, Respect & Attachment I owe you, 
sentiment with which I shall be over proud to acknowledge myself. 

Yr. Excellency's Very Obedient & most Humble Servant, 

John Moylan. 
His Excellency, 

The President of the United States. 

ENSIGN JASPER MOYLAN. 

Jasper Moylan, half-brother of Stephen and James aiM John, 
was an Ensign in Philadelphia Associators of Pennsylvania Militia. 
He arrived from Spain in 1781 and on October i, 1781, took the 
Oath of Allegiance to Pennsylvania and is recorded as " late from 
the Kingdom of Spain; student at law." 

He was a member of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and a 
resident of Philadelphia for many years. An extended memoir may 
later be presented. 



MAR- 23 190S 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





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